Mugabe's Pleasure Dome
(Via Rantburg) Everyone's favorite wingnut African dictator, Bobby Mugabe, has the nesting urge - Mugabe's $9m pleasure dome:

Robert Mugabe is building a lavish $A9 million palace on the outskirts of Zimbabwe's capital, Harare.

Furnishings and security for the President's new residence are expected to send the cost to $15 million at a time when nearly half of Zimbabwe's population is dependent on international food aid.

Contractors are working feverishly on the fittings, while two lakes built on the southern boundary have begun to fill.

The residence offers more than a hectare of accommodation, including two-storey reception rooms, an office suite, and up to 25 bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms and spas. The Chinese-style roof is clad with midnight blue glazed tiles from Shanghai. The ceilings were decorated by Arab craftsmen.

It is three times the size of the President's official residence, State House, and his adjacent offices.

Mr Mugabe has built smaller mansions in Harare and Zvimba, his birthplace, as well a Chivu, the birthplace of his wife, Grace.

Bobby is a busy guy with all that thuggery he has to organize. I guess he feels he needs a few perks.

Construction of a helicopter pad and extensive communications lines at the new site casts doubt on Mr Mugabe's intention to retire, suggesting that he intends to continue running the country from his new home.

Dictators don't retire if they would like to die in bed.