President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, who has ruled the country since 1980, has struck a ‘secret’ pact to hand over power to his defense minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Telegraph reports. The deal is said to have taken place in April 2008 when Mugabe was lagging behind his opponent during the first round of the presidential elections. “Mnangagwa was told that he had to deliver victory for Mugabe by whatever means or he would go down with the old man,” a source close to senior defense chiefs told The Telegraph. “After that, the two are glued together so tightly that unless Mnangagwa commits a cardinal sin he is assured of the succession.” Mugabe is planning to stand for office one last time in this year’s presidential election, the report suggests. His opponents, meanwhile, are pushing forward constitutional amendments designed to guarantee fair elections and want the elections to be postponed. Mnangagwa, one of the most powerful figures in the ruling Zanu-PF party has built up a reputation as a tough and ruthless politician as he helped Mugabe battle against white rule in the 1970s. He also participated in the suppression of the rival Zapu party in 1980s, during which thousands of civilians were killed. More to read on: www.rt.com

Picture source: ukzambians.co.uk