t Robert Mugabe has reportedly told his vice presidents and economic advisors to “see what to do next” as the realisation dawns that his war on prices, epitomized by acute shortages of all basic commodities, has had catastrophic effects on the nation.

There is no solution, other than a climb down by the regime allowing prices to steadily rise back to higher levels, say observers. The ruling party faces a difficult dilemma over the price war – which it had been hoped would be an effective vote buying gimmick, but which has failed dismally.

Vice Presidents Joseph Msika and Joice Mujuru are said to have always been opposed to the violent crackdown on manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers by Zanu (PF) and state security troops.

A source said Mugabe now showed signs of fatigue as well as desire for a way out of the cul-de-sac he had backed himself into.

Political analysts rule out chances of Mugabe willingly stepping down or pulling out of next year’s presidential election for a different Zanu (PF) candidate, but the old dictator finds himself in the most difficult of circumstances.

“His violent price reduction exercise is likely to achieve the exact opposite of what the regime intended ahead of next year’s elections. Virtually nothing is there to show for the repeated promises by the regime that it would take-over or fill empty shelves in supermarkets,” said one analyst.