Former Zimbabwean President's $10 Million Resignation Handshake

People's IntelligenceUnder the resignation agreement, former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his wife not only were not prosecuted but also received a cash payment of no less than $10 million.

Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his wife. Photo: Reuters

Mr. Mugabe and his wife received a “golden handshake” worth millions of dollars after reaching an agreement to step down last week. The exact amount of money Mr. Mugabe received is not known, but the Guardian news agency quoted an official of Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party as saying on November 25 that the amount was no less than $10 million.

According to the official, Mr. Mugabe will be granted immunity from prosecution and security guarantees, while the new government will also pledge not to hinder his family's business interests. Mr. Mugabe will receive an immediate cash payment of $5 million and additional payments over the next few months.

With his decision to relinquish power after 37 years in power, the 93-year-old former leader will also receive a pension of $150,000 a year until his death. Meanwhile, his wife, Grace Mugabe, will also receive a pension of half that amount for the rest of her life.

The couple were allowed to stay in their home country, in a luxurious mansion called the Blue House near the centre of the capital Harare, with medical, security and foreign travel costs covered.

Many politicians in Zimbabwe's opposition party have criticized this "too humane" agreement with former President Mugabe. "We are not a party to any agreement that was reached with Mr. Mugabe and if there is any agreement that involves money or any other agreement, it is considered unconstitutional," said Douglas Mwonzora, secretary of the Movement for Democratic Advancement, an opposition party in Zimbabwe.

Mugabe resigned on November 21 after a week of house arrest and pressure from the military. He only resigned when he realized that it was the only way for him to avoid impeachment and leave with dignity. Mugabe's deal with the military and the ruling party helped Zimbabwe complete a coup and transfer power without bloodshed. Former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa was officially sworn in on November 24 as the head of Zimbabwe's interim government until general elections scheduled for September next year.

According to Dan Tri