Sowore initially disarms Mugabe by asking the universally neutral “Mr Mugabe, how are you?”
Mugabe smiling, albeit uncomfortably, replies, “I am well, thanks”.
“Are you happy to come to Nigeria?” Sowore continues.
“Very happy,” Mugabe offers.
“Well, you know they also want elections in your country, when is it happening next in your country?” Sowore prods.
“In my country? Well, we had our elections…” He tapers off as an aide comes to his rescue and opens the door for Mugabe, who alights at that point.
You would think that Mugabe’s usual squad of heavies would have been on high alert after the first incident, but after Buhari’s speech, as Mugabe made his way back to the car, Sowore and Fayehun " who work for the New York based Sahara TV, the Internet branch of SaharaReporters " struck again. This time it is Fayehun who drives the barrage of relentless questions.
Members of Mugabe’s feared Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and other trussed up military personnel seem completely nonplussed and unable to deal with Fayehun’s audacity. Perhaps it is because she is a woman, perhaps it is because she asks each question rather loudly, but always with a charming gap-toothed smile.
“Mr President, don’t you think it is time to step down?” “Is there a time limit?” “How’s your health?’ “When will there be change in Zimbabwe?” “Will there be change in Zimbabwe?” “Is there democracy in Zimbabwe?”
Fayehun, as Mugabe’s guards try to hurry him through the crowd, then switches from asking questions making direct statements instead. “There is no democracy in Zimbabwe”, she shouts over the clamour. “It’s about time that you step down.”
All the while Mugabe’s minders seem paralysed by the two young and apparently fearless questioners, who continue to hang around shouting and commenting.
Fayehun ends the clip looking for her next victim, asking: “Is Jacob Zuma here?”…to which Sowore adds, “Where is that Zuma?”
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Politics