Zimbabwe ruling party says Mugabe's inglorious exit sad

Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party said Sunday it is sad that President Robert Mugabe leaves the party that he founded in 1963 in such a disgraceful manner after he chose to surround himself with "criminals and renegades."

Speaking at the end of a special congress meeting that recalled him as party leader and expelled his wife Grace, chairperson of the meeting and party secretary for finance Obert Mpofu said the renegades surrounding Mugabe were making it difficult for the party and government to function well.

"Cabinet meetings and ZANU-PF politburo meetings were recorded by known spies and it made it very difficult for members to contribute during debate knowing very well that there were these renegades.

"In as much as it is sad (Mugabe exit), it is historic in that the party shall never again allow such undemocratic processes and procedures in the conduct of its business," Mpofu said.

He said the reinstatement of former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa to his position in party and government was a welcome development.

"The central committee resolutions endorsed will no doubt reinvigorate and rejuvenate the party. Let us work together to shun regionalism, tribalism and factionalism so that the party is strengthened and united as we open a new page in the history of our revolution," Mpofu said.

The ruling party, meanwhile, expelled Vice President Pelekezela Mphoko, First Lady Grace Mugabe, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and National Housing Saviour Kasukuwere, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Ignatius Chombo, Minister of Youth, Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Patrick Zhuwao from the party. Zhuwao is Mugabe's nephew.

The party has given Mugabe until noon Monday to resign or face impeachment Tuesday when parliament resumes sitting.

Mugabe was meeting army generals Sunday to work out his exit plan after the military seized power from him on Nov. 7.