Johannesburg — AFTER years of cowing his cohorts in the ruling Zanu (PF), Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has been presented with the biggest threat in 20 years to his bid to cling to power - from within his own party.

Yesterday, in a surprise move that could potentially redraw Zimbabwe's political landscape, former finance minister and Mugabe confidant Simba Makoni said that he would challenge the autocratic leader in elections due to be held next month.

He said he had taken the decision to oppose Mugabe "following very extensive and intensive consultations with party members and activists".

Makoni, who is highly regarded in the southern African region, clashed with Mugabe over economic policies when he served as finance minister. He warned then that Mugabe's policies would be the death knell for the country's economy.

Analysts said yesterday Makoni's move meant Mugabe now faced serious opposition from within his own party for the first time in two decades.

Takavafira Zhou, an analyst at Zimbabwe's Masvingo State University, said Makoni would present a stiff challenge, especially if he could attract other disillusioned establishment members.

"He will pose a real challenge to Mugabe. For the first time Mugabe will have a hard time dealing with opposition from his own ranks," said Zhou.

"The move could mean the demise of Mugabe, particularly if Makoni can get the support of the Mujurus and the army."

Vice-President Joyce Mujuru and her husband Solomon Mujuru, a former head of the armed forces, have previously been touted as possible challengers to Mugabe but have been reluctant to break ranks and their stance is seen as critical.

Makoni's move came as another senior Zanu (PF) official and former home affairs minister Dumiso Dabengwa was also getting ready to tackle the president at the polls.

Sources said Dabengwa was going to file his nomination papers on Friday to stand for the presidency, but could end up working with Makoni after his public announcement yesterday.

Makoni and Dabengwa could also join forces with the two factions of the divided main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to form a united front which many believe could score a landslide victory against Mugabe and his party.

Zanu (PF) is caught in a political storm accompanied by threats of a breakaway. Makoni's move could lead to mass resignations from a fractured Zanu (PF) and precipitate quick disintegration of the party facing crucial presidential and parliamentary polls on March 29. Makoni said there were many other Zanu (PF) officials involved in his initiative.

Makoni said he would stand on a political platform yet to be announced but noted that in the meantime he remained a loyal Zanu (PF) member.

He said his decision followed the failure of the ruling party's extraordinary congress in December last year to ensure leadership changes. "I would have very much wished to stand as (Zanu PF's) official candidate. Unfortunately, as we all know, that opportunity was denied to any other cadre who would have offered themselves to serve the party and country," he said.

Makoni said there were high expectations at the Zanu (PF) congress that Mugabe would be removed, but after the plan by senior party members to oust him there was massive disappointment, which he shared.

Zanu (PF) officials said Mugabe retained his position at the top through constitutional fraud and manipulation.

Makoni said the situation was untenable and he was dismayed by the suffering of the people.

Zimbabwe is going through a political and economic crisis, with the highest official inflation in the world at 26000% - the International Monetary Fund says inflation is 150000%.

Zimbabwe has the fastest- shrinking economy outside a war zone and the weakest currency. About 4 -million people have left the country.

"I share the agony and anguish of all citizens over the extreme hardships that we all have endured for nearly 10 years now," Makoni said.