Zimbabwe's Mugabe marks 93rd birthday saying ZANU-PF can choose successor

Zimbabwean PresidentRobert Mugabe said on Saturday he would not impose his successorand that if the ruling ZANU-PF party felt he should retire, itwould hold an extraordinary congress to choose a new leader.

The world's oldest leader, who turned 93 this week, hasmaintained a tight grip on power in Zimbabwe since independencefrom Britain in 1980. He is due to stand for re-election nextyear and says ZANU-PF has no viable alternative candidates.

Mugabe was joined by thousands of supporters to celebratehis birthday at a school in Matobo just outside the secondbiggest city Bulawayo, and a short distance from the grave ofcolonialist Cecil John Rhodes.

Rhodes was an imperialist, businessman and politician whoplayed a dominant role in Southern Africa in the late 19thcentury, driving the annexation of vast swathes of land.

"Others are saying 'president, choose a successor before youretire'. Is that not imposition? Me imposing someone on theparty? No, I don't want that," Mugabe said.

"This is an issue for the congress to choose. We can have anextraordinary congress if the president retires but you said Ishould be your candidate in the next election."

Matobo is one of the areas that suffered heavy casualtiesduring the 1980s crackdown by an elite North Korean-trainedbrigade against rebels loyal to Joshua Nkomo, Mugabe's thenrival. Rights groups say 20,000 civilians died during theso-called Gukurahundi offensive.

• Same old violent story starring same old angry leader in Zimbabwe: Don Murray

Critics say Mugabe's policies, like the seizure ofwhite-owned farms for blacks and his black economic empowermentdrive have ruined the once promising country.

Mugabe, a pariah in the West, said he agreed with U.S.President Donald Trump's "America for Americans" approach andcriticised Zimbabweans seeking jobs in America.

Mugabe attributed his long life to what he said was God'smission to "fulfil the needs and demands" of Zimbabweans.

"I thank the Lord and say I accept the mission my Lord,"said Mugabe, who wore a black cowboy hat with national coloursand a print shirt designed by his wife Grace.

Mugabe said he only had one sister left and missed hissiblings, adding that "when I look back I say aah, oh Lord, whywere these taken before me and why have I remained so long,alone and alive. I cannot answer that."

A local bakery donated a 96-kilogramcake designed in the shape ofthe Zimbabwean map, while party officials jostled to give Mugabegifts ranging from sculptures to cattle.