By John Ikani
The President of Zimbabwe, Emerson Mnangagwa has taken a leave of absence from office and will instead be holidaying from all the busy schedule of being the man at the helm of the country.
In a surprise move, Emerson conferred his duties to his deputy Constantino Chiwenga for the period which he will be absent.
This was made known in a tweet by Zimbabwe’s Information ministry.
It read:
“Mnangagwa started his annual leave on 13 January 2022. His vacation runs until 5 February 2022. Honourable Vice President Dr C.D.G.N Chiwenga is Acting President during this period”
HE President @edmnangagwa started his annual leave on 13 January 2022. His vacation runs until 5 February 2022. Honourable Vice President Dr C.D.G.N Chiwenga is Acting President during this period. pic.twitter.com/91P9gzDsRI
— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) January 14, 2022
It is not the first time that an African President would hand over power to his deputy, as Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had thrice transferred power to his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo since the two leaders were inaugurated in May 2015.
The first time was in February 2016 when the President embarked on a five-day vacation; and the second time was in June 2016 when Mr. Buhari went on a trip to the United Kingdom for medical for treatment of what the Presidency called ear infection.
