Of Course Mugabe Didn't Resign; He & His Wife Must Be Forced Out of Zimbabwe For Good

Count me as not surprised that Robert Mugabe did not announce his resignation in what was supposed to be his resignation speech.

After all this is a man who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980 without any meaningful challenge to his authority (even during opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's stint as prime minister).

Mugabe has had to answer to no one for 37 years. His wife Grace said in 2015 that her husband would rule until he is 100 years old. At 93, he will not cede power willingly or gracefully.

ZANU-PF, the political party Mugabe led until last week, has given him until noon tomorrow to resign or face impeachment.

I do not believe a resignation will be forthcoming and I don't think Mugabe would recognize his impeachment any more than he has recognized his house arrest.

The only peaceful way out for Mugabe is for him and his wife to be put on a plane and banished from Zimbabwe forever.

Of course, the question would be where they would end up. I can't imagine many countries wanting their presence. But if exile were to come to pass it would be somewhere on the African continent. South Africa is probably the first option, but perhaps Nigeria, Namibia, Angola or Ethiopia would be more viable. If worse comes to worse perhaps Beijing will welcome their longtime client.

The point is the only way for Robert Mugabe's rule of Zimbabwe to end is if he is no longer in Zimbabwe.