Former Zimbabwean president wants to farm after resigning

Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, 93. Photo: AP.

Robert Mugabe's health is currently good and the former Zimbabwean president is "very happy" with his new life, AFP quoted his nephew Leo Mugabe as saying on November 26.

"He's fine. I've seen him and he's very happy. He's really looking forward to his new life, farming and living in the countryside," Leo Mugabe said.

Former President Mugabe's nephew further revealed that Mr Mugabe's wife is focusing on plans to build a school in her husband's honor.

"I like Grace's spirit. She has been with Mr Mugabe all this time. She is a wonderful person," said Leo Mugabe.

In August, the Zimbabwean government announced plans to build a $1 billion post-secondary institution 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the capital, Harare. The plan was widely criticized domestically for its negative impact on the Zimbabwean economy.

Under the agreement negotiated with the military, after resigning, the 93-year-old former president and his wife will receive up to $10 million, be immune from prosecution and keep all of their assets, according to the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper.

According to a ruling party official, the former Zimbabwean president will receive $5 million in cash immediately, with the remainder to be paid in the coming months. In addition, his $150,000 monthly salary will be maintained for the rest of his life. And Grace Mugabe will continue to receive a pension equal to half of her husband's salary after Mugabe's death.

Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since 1980, was forced to resign after the military intervened. The coup in Zimbabwe began late on November 14, allegedly because Mugabe fired Emmerson Mnangagwa, then vice president, to clear the way for his wife, Grace, to take power.

After a period of exile in South Africa, Mr. Mnangagwa returned home and was sworn in on November 24.

According to VNE