In a seemingly bloodless coup, the military known as the Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) took over operations in the capital, Harare.
After Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa was sacked without substantial cause, the military indicated they would enter politics to avoid further wrongdoing in the ruling Zanu-PF party.
The military carried out the threat and stormed the state capital, Harare. Reports confirm that the army has deployed its tanks in the northern suburbs where Mr Mugabe and a number of government officials live. Their presence was accompanied by gunfire.
The apparent military takeover of Zimbabwe drew more local and international concerns as Zimbabwe descended into a tense state.
The military that took over the nation, The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), stated in no uncertain terms that the transition is in no way a coup but a necessary step to curb the political misconduct of “criminals” running the Zimbabwean government, particularly the presidency.
The statement also went on to reassure the judiciary that their independence will not be tampered with. While the army demands that all security services “work together for the good of our country,” it did not fail to mention that any request for provocation “will be met with an appropriate response.”
All military and police officers on furlough have also been ordered to return to active duty. At that moment, neither Mr Mugabe, who was still believed to be the President, nor his support was allowed to speak to his people
Recall that in the months leading up to the military parade, the First Lady accused Mnangagwa and his allies of plotting a coup.
cause of the takeover
At the time of the military takeover, the VP was known to be the likely successor to the President. As their relationship became strained, Grace Mugabe emerged with her strong ambition to follow her husband. The ruling ZANU-PF party divided the dispute between the two top personalities into factions.
The military seizure put longtime leader Robert Mugabe under house arrest and using armored vehicles on the streets of the capital, Harare. Though the military says the takeover is intended to curb excesses by political criminals, many believe the vice president’s latest sack has given it a boost.
As mentioned in their statement, the takeover is a mandatory rescue mission to save Zim’s failing political and economic institutions. Continuous gunfire was heard near Mugabe’s private home in suburban Borrowdale.
arrested officials
Some senior government officials were reportedly arrested and detained. The Reuters source confirmed that Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo was among those in military custody.
Chombo is a ZANU-PF politician and a supporter of Grace Mugabe’s bid to succeed her husband.
implications
With the official takeover of Zimbabwe’s military backed by their statement, the latest development could spell the end of Mugabe as the South African country’s president.
As a result, the takeover could potentially halt the move and make Grace Mugabe a replacement for Emmerson as well as the president’s successor.
There is speculation that the ruling party will most likely replace the first lady as vice president next month.
It is known that the military is for the recently discharged VP, who is also a veteran of the Liberation War.
It is currently not clear who fired the shot in Zimbabwe.
reactions
Side by side with Zimbabwe’s unease, many have greeted the move with hopes it will finally oust the president who has ruled the nation for decades and has refused to step down.
On the other hand, some Zimbabweans feared that this would take the country from a democratic state to a military regime.
Zimbabweans blamed Mugabe’s age and leadership for the country’s poor economy.
However, Alex Magaisa, a former adviser to Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, categorically described the takeover of the Zimbabwean military as a full-fledged coup.