Zimbabwe's Mugabe raps against factionism again as thousands supporters congregate

Thousands of Zimbabwean ruling party supporters on Wednesday took part in a procession dubbed the "million man march" in the capital Harare in honor of President Robert Mugabe for his distinguished and principled leadership.

The march, which drew supporters from all the country's 10 provinces, was organized by the party's youth league.

In his address to the supporters who gathered at an open space on the outskirts of the city, Mugabe hit out at senior members in his party that have been fanning factionalism and desribed the practice as treasonous.

"There should never be little groups to promote so and so. These little groups are treasonous, they spoil the party. There is only one group which is Zanu-PF," Mugabe said.

He spoke as factionalism and infighting continues to wreck havoc in his party even after he fired former Vice President Joice Mujuru from the party last year for fanning factionalism and trying to topple him.

Mujuru, who denies the allegations, has since formed an opposition party to challenge Mugabe in the 2018 national elections.

Mugabe urged his party to unite and for cabinet ministers to be satisfied with their current posts.

He said the party will look into the grievances of the youths. which include lack of houses and land.

Mugabe, the world's oldest leader at 92, has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980.

According to a revised constitution which was passed in 2013, Mugabe could in theory run for another five-year term. The veteran leader was endorsed as the ruling party's sole presidential candidate in the upcoming 2018 polls. Endit