Ex-minister to challenge Mugabe for presidency

A former ruling party loyalist who clashed with President Robert Mugabe over economic policy announced today that he will run against him as an independent in next month’s presidential election, hoping to galvanise others disillusioned with the party.

Former finance minister Simba Makoni, 57, said he decided to run after discussions with members of Mr Mugabe’s ZANU-PF and activists outside the party across the country.