Harare, Zimbabwe • Zimbabweans watched in disbelief Sunday as President Robert Mugabe, who they thought was going to resign, instead delivered a meandering speech on state television that made clear the 93-year-old leader has no plans to leave power.
In less than a week, Mugabe has survived both a military takeover and the largest public protests in the country's history, reaffirming his uncanny ability to navigate the country's political tides.
Mugabe said the criticisms leveled against his government "were inescapable." But he suggested that he could make the necessary reforms to satisfy his critics, a doubtful contention given the overwhelming opposition to his rule.