[xJones]

Mugabe is after absolute power, using starvation as a weapon to kill off all who ever opposed him

I agree with you completely, but he's 78 years old. Does the old bugger think he's going to live forever? Who will be his successor when he finally gets his just reward?

[SauronOfMordor]

he's 78 years old. Does the old bugger think he's going to live forever?

The thing about Communist-like regimes is that, no matter how old the people on top are, they need the support of their juniors. If the people at the next lower level are not assured that there will be continuing loot for THEM, they're going to look for the exits