Zimbabwe's Mugabe 'under house arrest' after army takeover

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Zimbabwe's Mugabe 'under house arrest' after army takeover

Postby seemslikeadream » Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:43 am

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Zimbabwe's Mugabe 'under house arrest' after army takeover
39 minutes ago

Media captionWhat has happened so far in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe's military has placed President Robert Mugabe under house arrest in the capital Harare, South African President Jacob Zuma says.
Mr Mugabe told Mr Zuma in a phone call that he was fine, the South African leader's office said.
Troops are patrolling the capital, Harare, after they seized state TV and said they were targeting "criminals".
The move may be a bid to replace Mr Mugabe with his sacked deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, BBC correspondents say.
Mr Mnangagwa's dismissal last week left Mr Mugabe's wife Grace as the president's likely successor.
Heavy gun and artillery fire could be heard in northern parts of Harare early on Wednesday.
Mr Mugabe, 93, has dominated the impoverished country's political scene since it gained independence from the UK in 1980.
The UK Foreign Office advised Britons "currently in Harare to remain safely at home or in their accommodation until the situation becomes clearer", while the US embassy in Harare advised US citizens in Zimbabwe to "shelter in place" until further notice.
China, Zimbabwe's biggest trading partner, says it is closely watching the situation and hopes that the relevant parties can properly handle their internal aff
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41997982


Zimbabwe: What's happening?

A vice president sacked, fears of a Mugabe dynasty, and a military threat. What is happening today in Zimbabwe?

35 minutes ago
There is growing uncertainty in Zimbabwe.

Soldiers on Wednesday took over the headquarters of the state broadcaster ZBC and blocked access to government offices, but the army says this is not a military take over.

President Robert Mugabe, who leads the ruling Zanu-PF party, is safe, an army spokesman has said.

But as yet, there is no official word from the government or the Mugabe family as to their whereabouts.

How are people in Zimbabwe and the world reacting?

Profile: Who is Robert Mugabe?

Read the military's statement in full

Robert Mugabe's most famous quotes


People queue to draw money outside a bank in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 15,2017 [Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters]
Wednesday, November 15: The latest

'No military takeover'

The Herald newspaper has released a special edition, given the dramatic events of the day.

The afternoon edition's headline is: "The Herald: No military takeover"

An earlier edition read: "Zanu-PF unfazed by Chiwenga", referring to the army commander who has challenged Mugabe.

Is Grace Mugabe in Namibia?

Sky News has reported that, according to sources, Grace Mugabe believed to be in Namibia. Al Jazeera is unable to confirm this report, as yet.

Grace is the first lady and is at the centre the crisis.

You can read more about Grace Mugabe in a recent pre-crisis feature here.

The Namibian Sun, an English-language newspaper, tweeted a statement from the government that did not mention Grace.

The statement said Namibia has been following the "unfolding developments in Zimbabwe with concern".

"Namibia is concerned that the present situation in Zimbabwe creates uncertainty that is not conducive to peace, stability and consolidation of democracy in Zimbabwe and the region as a whole."

Zuma speaks to Mugabe

The office of South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has said Mugabe has indicated that "he was confined to his home but said that he was fine".

In a statement posted online, the office said South Africa is in touch with the Zimbabwe military. "President Zuma has reiterated his call for calm and restraint and for the ZDF [military] to ensure that peace and stability are not undermined in Zimbabwe," the statement said.

In his address, which was broadcast later on Wednesday, South African President Zuma said: "Given the seriousness of the situation, I have taken the decision to send an envoy to be able to conduct the leaders of the defence force who have undertaken these operations, but also to meet with President Mugabe so that we have a [clearer] picture of what is happening."

'It's an inside-the-party coup'

Professor David Moore, speaking from Johannesburg, told Al Jazeera: "It is an inside-the-party coup. The president has not been deposed. People are being arrested, the G-40 people are being arrested, but the G-40 never had the army in their hands. It's relatively peaceful so far." The G-40 is Grace Mugabe's political faction.

On whether or not Mugabe will be deposed, Moore said: "I don't think Mugabe will be deposed. I think the plan will be as is indicated in Chiwenga's speech on Monday night to guarantee that the extraordinary congress, which is set up for the end of December this year instead of next year. In other words, before the election of July next year which was planned by G-40. I think Mugabe will see the way the wind is blowing. He's very, very good at keep his finger to the winds of these conflicts.

Zuma to speak

Al Jazeera has learned that South African President Jacob Zuma is expected to speak at 11:00 GMT. We will bring you that speech, as and when it happens, at aljazeera.com/live.

There is a significant number of Zimbabweans living in South Africa.

Mugabe and Zuma maintain good relations and are close allies.
Foreign guests leave hotel

A journalist in Harare, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Al Jazeera that foreign hotel guests at the Cresta Lodge in Harare were leaving.

Earlier the US and UK had warned their citizens in Harare against attending demonstrations or discussing the president.

Flights operational

Trevor Ncube, a Zimbabwean businessman living in South Africa, said flights in and out of Zimbabwe were operating as usual. Ncube is verified on Twitter, and is a critical voice on Mugabe. "Air Zimbabwe took off for Bulawayo this morning and the SAA flight from Harare landed a while ago," he tweeted.

Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa, reporting from Harare, confirmed that airports were open as usual.

Fears over economy

For many Zimbabweans, the first priority was to head to the banks. Images sent to Al Jazeera showed queues of people waiting to be addressed by banking staff on the situation over cash withdrawals.
Martin Muradzikwa, a mobile phone shop owner in Harare, told Al Jazeera he feared clashes between soldiers and Mugabe loyalists would break out.

Main branches of international banks were closed, due to their proximity to government buildings.

Arrests

Several high-profile, Zanu-PF individuals have been detained and those at large are being pursued, according to reports.

'No outward panic'

Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa, reporting from Harare, said the atmosphere on the streets felt tense. "I don't think people expected this kind of military takeover. I'm Zimbabwean, I was born after independence from Britain, I've never experienced this kind of feeling in the air. At the moment, people are just wondering what is going to happen next."

Mutasa also said, however, that it was business as usual for now. "There's no outward panic, you're not seeing people running away or fleeing."

Newspaper headline: Zanu-PF unfazed

Zimbabwean newspaper The Herald ran with the headline: "Zanu-PF unfazed by Chiwenga", referring to the army general.

Where is Mugabe?

As yet, there is no official comment from the government or the Mugabe family as to the president's whereabouts.

UK, US warns citizens in Harare

The US and UK have advised their citizens in Harare, the capital, to stay indoors amid the uncertainty. "You should avoid political activity, or activities which could be considered political, including political discussions in public places and criticism of the president," Britain warned.

The US embassy in Harare tweeted: "Due to ongoing uncertainty in Zimbabwe, the U.S. Embassy in Harare will be minimally staffed and closed to the public on November 15. Embassy personnel will continue to monitor the situation closely. @StateDept"
Military: We are targeting criminals

In a televised address early on Wednesday morning, military spokesperson, Major General SB Moyo, said the army was seeking to "pacify a degenerating, social, and economic situation", and denied a coup.

"We are only targeting criminals around [Mugabe] and are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country, in order to bring them to justice" he said. You can read the statement in full here.

Military seizes state TV

On Wednesday, November 15, the Zimbabwe army seized state TV and blocked off access to government offices.

This came after reports of explosions and gunfire the previous evening.


A young man washes a minibus adorned with picture of President Robert Mugabe at a bus terminus in Harare [Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters]
What had happened until Wednesday? The backstory

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, an ally of the army chief and a veteran of the country's struggle for independence, was sacked on November 8 by 93-year-old Mugabe for showing "traits of disloyalty".

Mnangagwa, who fled the country soon after, was seen as a likely successor to the ailing president, and his ousting now appears to pave the way for First Lady Grace Mugabe.

Army commander Constantino Chiwenga said on Monday, November 13, that the military would act if purges against former war liberation fighters did not cease.

Zanu-PF on November 14 accused the army chief of "treasonable conduct" after he challenged Mugabe over the sacking of the vice president.

On Tuesday, November 14, the youth wing of ZANU-PF party, said it was "ready to die" for Mugabe, after the military threat to intervene.

There were unconfirmed reports of explosions and shooting in the capital, Harare, on Tuesday evening.


This file photo taken on November 13 shows Chiwenga [Jekesai Njikizana/AFP]
War veterans and Mugabe supporters:

War veterans, who fought alongside Mugabe during the 1970s liberation struggle and spearheaded the repossession of white-owned commercial farms in the 2000s, claim Mugabe has betrayed the revolution.

The ongoing purges of scores of Mnangagwa allies have widened the rift between the Mugabes and various groups of war veteran leaders.

Victor Matemadanda, secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association, recently told Al Jazeera the ongoing expulsions were a strong indication that Mugabe was acting in his own interests and those of his wife.


Mugabe with his wife, Grace at a youth interface rally in the second city of Bulawayo on November 4 [Tendai Marima/Al Jazeera]
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/h ... 33319.html


Zimbabwe crisis: Army 'secures' Robert Mugabe and takes control of Harare - latest news

12:43PM
Soldiers patrol streets of Harare
Explosions rock Zimbabwe capital in early hours of morning
Military 'takes over state broadcaster'
Army says Mugabe is 'safe and security is guaranteed'
Moves come amid rift between Mugabe and military
Robert Mugabe profile: Legacy of a ruthless tyrant
The military has taken over Zimbabwe, placing President Robert Mugabe under house arrest and detaining senior government officials in what many are expecting to be the beginning of a transition of power.

Military officials denied carrying out a coup as it took over the state TV and broadcast a message insisting the president and his wife were “secure”, adding that they were targeting a ring of government plotters following a power struggle that saw the vice-president flee the country last week.

Jacob Zuma, the South African president, said he had spoken to Mr Mugabe by phone who told him he was “confined to his home but said that he was fine”.

"It is not a military takeover of government," an army spokesman said in a televised statement. "We wish to assure the nation that his excellency the president... and his family are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed.

"We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice.

"As soon as we have accomplished our mission we expect that the situation will return to normalcy."

The address came hours after several loud explosions echoed across central Harare and troops seized the headquarters of the ZBC, Zimbabwe's state broadcaster.

"Although it doesn’t look like a coup, it is a coup,” Zimbabwe analyst Alex Magaisa, a senior Zimbabwe legal analyst based in the UK, told The Telegraph.

Several cabinet ministers, including local government minister Saviour Kasukuwere and finance minister Ignatius Chombo, and Mugabe’s nephew Patrick Zhuwayo, were arrested. There was allegedly a brief gun fight outside Mr Chombo’s house. All three are part of the G40 faction of Zanu-PF which is loyal to Grace Mugabe, who was being lined up to take over from her husband after the vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa was fired last week.

Speculation had been mounting on Tuesday that a coup was under way against Mr Mugabe, after the head of the armed forces threatened to "step in" over the sacking of an influential vice president.

Gunfire erupted near Mr Mugabe's private residence in Harare in the early hours of Wednesday, a witness told AFP.

"From the direction of his house, we heard about 30 or 40 shots fired over three or four minutes soon after 2.00 am," a resident who lives close to Mugabe's mansion in the suburb of Borrowdale said.

Armed soldiers were assaulting passers-by in the early morning hours in Harare, according to the Associated Press, while officers were seen loading ammunition near a group of four military vehicles.

Zimbabwe Army General Constantino Chiwenga Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces addresses a media conference held at the Zimbabwean Army Headquarters on November 13, 2017 in Harare
Zimbabwe Army General Constantino Chiwenga, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, addresses a media conference held at the Zimbabwean Army Headquarters on November 13, 2017 in Harare Credit: AFP
Two hours later, soldiers overran ZBC, a principal Mugabe mouthpiece, and ordered staff to leave. Several ZBC workers were manhandled, two members of staff and a human rights activist said.

Shortly afterwards, three explosions rocked the centre of the southern African nation's capital, near the University of Zimbabwe campus, witnesses said.



Tensions have been building in Zimbabwe since Mr Mnangagwa, a powerful figure in the ruling Zanu-PF party, fled to South Africa last week after he was fired and was then stripped of his lifetime membership of the party.

The move was widely seen as part of a battle between Mr Mnangagwa and Mrs Mugabe, the first lady, over the presidential succession when Mr Mugabe dies or steps down. The Zimbabwean president, who is 93, fights his last election next year. Many expected Mrs Mugabe to be appointed vice president in Mr Mnangagwa’s place at the Zanu-PF special congress next month.

Rumours were swirling ton Wednesday morning that Mr Mugabe and his wife have been offered safe passage to Singapore, but this could not be confirmed. China said on Wednesday that Zimbabwe military chief General Constantino Chiwenga's visit to China last week was a normal military visit. Eddie Cross, an opposition MP in Zimbabwe, has told BBC News that he believes Grace Mugabe has crossed the border to Namibia.

South Africa urged neighbouring Zimbabwe to resist any "unconstitutional changes" of government, but stopped short of criticising the armed uprising.

Gen Chiwenga, an ally of Mr Mnangagwa, demanded on Monday that Mr Mugabe immediately cease “purging” the former vice president's allies in the party and in government.

Armed Zimbabwean soldiers sit on top of a military tank in Harare, Zimbabwe in the early hours of Wednesday
Armed Zimbabwean soldiers sit on top of a military tank in Harare, Zimbabwe in the early hours of Wednesday Credit: AP
Armoured personnel carriers are stationed at major junctions in Harare as residents attempt to continue with their daily lives under the spectre of an alleged coup
Armoured personnel carriers are stationed at major junctions in Harare as residents attempt to continue with their daily lives under the spectre of an alleged coup Credit: AP
"We must remind those behind the current treacherous shenanigans that when it comes to matters of protecting our revolution, the military will not hesitate to step in," the head of the armed forces commander said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Zanu-PF accused Gen Chiwenga of "treasonable conduct."

The governments of South Africa and Zambia on Tuesday warned military leaders in Harare not to take any “unconstitutional” steps to avenge Mr Mnangagwa.

Senior military sources in Johannesburg and Pretoria said they warned General Chiwenga to avoid any "disruption to the constitution" after the military convoys were spotted on Tuesday afternoon.

South African diplomatic sources said late Tuesday that Zambian president Edgar Lungu also warned General Chiwenga to ensure that Zimbabwe’s constitution was respected.

President Robert Mugabe listens to his wife Grace Mugabe at a rally of his ruling ZANU-PF party in Harare
President Robert Mugabe listens to his wife Grace Mugabe at a rally of his ruling ZANU-PF party in Harare Credit: Reuters
A source living close to Mr Mugabe’s mansion said: “We presume any coup plotters would know that Zimbabwe would run out of fuel in a week or so, and that South Africa would likely cut off electricity. Zimbabwe is a landlocked country and cannot survive if all borders were closed."

A military intervention in Zimbabwean politics would be fraught with difficulties. The African Union and the regional 15-nation Southern African Development Community are both on record that they do not recognise any authority which comes to power via a coup d’etat.

Follow the latest news here.

Analysis: Don't expect the international community to kick up much of a fuss

Our senior foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant has been looking into the international relations ramifications of the potential fall of Robert Mugabe.

For every dictator who does not die in office, there eventually comes a point of no return - some unpredictable moment when one's iron grip on power evaporates overnight.

Robert Mugabe has just passed that point.

The immediate question now seems to be how his retirement will be managed.

There is immense respect for Robert Mugabe inside Zanu PF, and officials in the ruling party have told the Telegraph that the military will try to handle things with "dignity."

He may be sent into exile, or allowed to continue as a figure head president with little real power.

The next question is how the international community will react.

The African Union has a hardline policy of opposing the military coups that were once common across the continent, and as late as yesterday evening, the received wisdom among diplomats, analysts, and Zimbabwean businessmen was that the military wouldn't even dare taking things into their own hands.

Zimbabwe is landlocked, and in such a fragile state economically that a blockade by South Africa, Zambia, and other neighbours could theoretically bring a junta to its knees in days.

General Constantino Chiwenga appears to have called that bluff.

For all their aversion to military interventions, Zimbabwe's neighbours have been increasingly worried by the country's ongoing economic collapse and the looming prospect of a messy transition when Mr Mugabe dies or retires.

If the current military intervention does not descend into violence, it provides an opportunity for a relatively peaceful transition.

It also installs a man - Emmerson Mnangagwa - who is well known to the political establishments in South Africa and Zambia, but also Britain, the former colonial power, and China, an increasingly influential player in Zimbabwe's economy.

No government will risk endorsing what is in effect a military seizure of power.

But as long as General Chiwenga maintains a veneer of constitutional respectability - by not declaring himself president, avoiding bloodshed, and allowing Mr Mugabe to retire quietly - don't expect the international community to kick up much of a fuss.

It may be just the solution many were secretly hoping for.

12:13PM
Police disarmed in Harare

There are reports that the army has disarmed police in Harare in a bid to take full control of security in Zimbabwe.

Fadzayi Mahere, who was hoping to stand in elections to become an MP took this picture today, claiming to show police being lined up in the street.


It is thought that the army is aligned with Emmerson Mnangagwa, the sacked vice-president, while the police are believed to be loyal to Grace Mugabe.

12:06PM
Boris Johnson wants stability

Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary has said: "It’s very fluid and it’s hard to say exactly how this will turn out. The most important point to make is that everybody wants to see a stable and successful Zimbabwe and I think we are really appealing for everybody to refrain from violence."

Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, said: "It must ultimately be for the Zimbabwean people to determine their own future government through free, peaceful and democratic elections."

12:03PM
Opposition call for Mugabe to step down

The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s main opposition party, has called for Mr Mugabe to step down and for “free and fair” elections to be held immediately.

“The current instability in Zimbabwe must be a cause for concern for all African countries who stand for democracy on the continent,” DA party leader Mmusi Maimane said in a statement.

11:38AM
No sign of Mugabe

President Mugabe was due to address state television at 11am, it was thought.

The broadcast has not taken place, but we are monitoring state TV and will stream live video at the top of the page if we get it.

11:34AM
Where is Grace Mugabe?

Reports are circulating that President Mugabe's wife may have fled to Namibia.

Eddie Cross, an opposition MP in Zimbabwe, has told BBC News that he believes Grace Mugabe has crossed the border to the west.

Sky News were also told that Mrs Mugabe had been allowed to leave the country by the military last night as tensions grew over the apparent internal power struggle that had paved the way for her to take over as vice-president.

Mrs Mugabe is unlikely to choose South Africa for exile after facing allegations that she assaulted a model there earlier this year.

11:25AM
War veterans standing by military

The head of Zimbabwe's influential war veterans association says they stand with the army and that President Robert Mugabe should stand down as party leader of the ruling Zanu-PF.

Victor Matemadanda told reporters in Harare that the country has been sliding into a "state of chaos," adding that Zanu-PF should establish a commission of inquiry into Mugabe and why he decided to let his wife insult veterans and the armed forces.

11:16AM
Mugabe speech delayed

Mugabe was expected to address the nation at 11am but it appears to have been delayed.

We are monitoring state TV and will broadcast a live stream at the top of the page when we get it.

10:55AM
UK ambassador says military still on the streets


10:49AM
Zuma: 'Mugabe under house arrest but safe'

President Robert Mugabe is under house arrest in Zimbabwe, South African President Jacob Zuma has said in a statement.

"President Zuma spoke to President Robert Mugabe earlier today who indicated that he was confined to his home but said that he was fine," the South African government said.

10:46AM
Mugabe to make speech

Robert Mugabe is due to address the nation in a live broadcast on state TV.

He is likely to clarify the situation after claims of a coup and suggestions that he is being held under house arrest with his wife Grace.

Watch his full address at the top of this article.

10:39AM
Former Africa minister says Britain must support transition

James Duddridge, the Conservative MP, who was responsible for Zimbabwe at the Foreign Office between 2014 and 2016, said Britain should support a smooth transition.

He said President Mugabe should be given a "soft landing" outside the country to allow a "less bloody" switch to a new government.

Mr Duddridge told the Press Association: "It is for the Zimbabwean people to chart a way forward, not Her Majesty's Government.

"But I think they are doing that, they will do that, and we will support them coming out of what has been a rather nasty dictatorship by one man to a slightly more functioning democracy, probably transitioning by a government of national unity.

"But it may very well be that we need to provide support in the transition to maintain stability - that is in the Zimbabwean people's interests, it is in the British national interest.

He added: "So I very much hope for a bloodless and peaceful transition from an autocratic dictator, who has served his time and needs to move on, to a more democratic, open nation state that will trade and prosper and start to rejuvenate the Zimbabwean people.

"There's always a concern when there's a transition of power but we must remember Mugabe is loved by many people around Africa as a revolutionary leader.

"But he's morphed from that into a rather distasteful dictator who has abused his position.

"Providing Mugabe with a soft landing outside of Zimbabwe which, whilst is distasteful given everything that he has done and has been done in his name, will allow for a less bloody transition."

9:56AM
South Africa urges Zimbabwe to resist "unconstitutional change"

South Africa has urged neighbouring Zimbabwe to resist any "unconstitutional changes" of government.


President Jacob Zuma wants Zimbabwe to resist "unconstitutional" change Credit: SUMAYA HISHAM/ REUTERS
President Jacob Zuma "has expressed hope that developments in Zimbabwe would not lead to unconstitutional changes of government," according to a statement released in Pretoria.

Zuma appealed for "the country to resolve the political impasse amicably and has urged the Zimbabwean defence force to ensure ... the maintenance of peace".

Millions of Zimbabweans have moved to South Africa to seek work and flee Mr Mugabe's regime.

9:28AM
Robert Mugabe: Legacy of a ruthless tyrant

Robert Mugabe's legacy as one of the most ruthless tyrants of modern times may be finally coming to an end.

His savage rule over Zimbabwe was dominated by murder, bloodshed, torture, persecution of political opponents, intimidation and vote-rigging on a grand scale.

Read our full profile of the Zimbabwean leader here.

9:21AM
Citizens scramble to banks to withdraw cash

Queues have formed outside banks in Harare as Zimbabweans scramble to withdraw their cash after military flooded the streets and reports of a coup spread.


Zimbabweans queue to withdraw money in Harare Credit: PHILIMON BULAWAYO/Reuters

Schoolchildren seen passing military officers stationed across the capital Credit: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP
Schoolchildren were also pictured on their way to class as armoured vehicles and military personnel patrolled the roads across the capital.

State radio has been replaying the military's announcement that President Mugabe is "secure". The recordings have been interspersed between patriotic songs from the independence period of the 1980s, according to BBC Monitoring.

8:01AM
China says Zimbabwe military chief's visit was normal visit

China has said that Zimbabwe military chief General Constantino Chiwenga's visit to the country last week was a normal military visit.

Mr Chiwenga threatened to "step in" over the sacking of Zimbabwe's vice president last week.

China is closely watching the situation in Zimbabwe and hopes that relevant parties can properly handle their internal affairs, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily news briefing this morning.

Rumours are swirling that Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace have been offered safe passage to Singapore, but this could not be confirmed.

6:49AM
Opposition party calls for return to democracy

Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is calling for a peaceful return to constitutional democracy.

The MDC, the main political challenger to Mugabe's ZANU-PF party for the last two decades, also said it hoped the military intervention would lead to the "establishment of a stable, democratic and progressive nation state".


A military tank is seen with armed soldiers on the road leading to President Robert Mugabes office in Harare Credit: AP
5:54AM
'Bloodless correction'

The Associated press reports that Zimbabwe's war veterans' association has called the army's actions a "bloodless correction".

Chris Mutsvangwa, chairman of the war veterans' group, told the AP in Johannesburg that Army General Constantino Chiwenga has carried out "a bloodless correction of gross abuse of power." Mutsvangwa said the army will return Zimbabwe to "genuine democracy" and make the country a "modern model nation."

Mutsvangwa and the war veterans are staunch allies of Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was fired from his post of vice president by Mugabe last week.

5:34AM
Scenes in the capital

Reuters says Zimbabwean soldiers and armoured vehicles have blocked roads to the main government offices, parliament and the courts in central Harare.

Nearby, some Zimbabweans queued for cash outside banks while public taxis ferried commuters to work.


A military tank is seen with armed soldiers on the road leading to President Robert Mugabe's office in Harare on Wednesday morning Credit: AP

Armed soldiers search a vehicle on the road leading to President Robert Mugabe's office in Harare Credit: AP
4:55AM
Army statement in full

The televised statement made by Zimbabwe Major General SB Moyo, Chief of Staff Logistics:

"We wish to assure the nation that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and commander in chief of Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Comrade RG Mugabe, and his family are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed.

"We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice.

"As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy. To the civil servants, as you are aware, there is a plan by the same people to influence the current purging that is taking place in the political sphere to the civil service. We are against that act of injustice and we intend to protect every one of you against that.

"To the judiciary, the measures underway are intended to assure that as an independent arm of the state you are able to exercise your independent authority without fear of being obstructed."

4:25AM
Finance minister 'arrested'

Zimbabwe's military has detained Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo, a government source told Reuters.

Chombo was a leading member of the so-called 'G40' faction of the ruling ZANU-PF party, led by Mugabe's wife Grace, that had been vying to succeed the 93-year-old president.

4:04AM
Army's coup denial follows a trend


3:07AM
'A euphemism for house arrest'

Reporters and analysts have been trying to read between the lines after the rather ambiguous statement from the army. Here is some of the reaction.




2:39AM
Zimbabwe military officers say Mugabe is 'safe'

In a state TV address, Zimbabwe military officers say Mugabe is safe and criminals around him are beng targeted.

The Army encouraged people to remain calm, but avoid unnecessary movement

2:21AM
Army 'targeting criminals around Mugabe'


2:19AM
Soldiers read address on state broadcaster


1:59AM
British citizens urged to stay indoors

The UK embassy in Harare has urged British citizens to stay indoors during the 'uncertain situation'.


1:56AM
'Shots heard near Mugabe's residence'

A Harare resident has told AFP that gunfire erupted near President Robert Mugabe's private residence.

"From the direction of his house, we heard about 30 or 40 shots fired over three or four minutes soon after 2:00 am," a resident who lives close to Mugabe's mansion in the suburb of Borrowdale told AFP.

1:29AM
Tanks remain on the streets of Harare


Armed Zimbabwean soldiers sit on top of a military tank in Harare in the early hours of Wednesday Credit: AP
Yet the capital is still mostly calm.


A street scene along Robert Mugabe road in Harare Credit: AP
1:05AM
Robert Mugabe - Zimbabwe's leader for 37 years

12:51AM
Government staying quiet during tense day

The government has said little during the day as tensions mounted.

In the only official word from the government, Isaac Moyo, Zimbabwe's ambassador to neighbouring South Africa, earlier dismissed talk of a coup, telling Reuters that the government was "intact" and blaming social media for spreading false information.

"There's nothing really happening. They are just social media claims."

12:25AM
US embassy closes for Wednesday

The US embassy in Harare says it will be closed on Wednesday due to "ongoing uncertainty in Zimbabwe" and is monitoring the situation.


It has also reportedly advised US citizens to stay home and "shelter in place".


12:18AM
Explosions were heard near University of Zimbabwe campus

The Associated Press reports that armed soldiers are assaulting passers-by in Harare, as well as soldiers loading ammunition near a group of four military vehicles.

It said the reported explosions could be heard near the University of Zimbabwe campus.

12:06AM
Soldiers 'in control of state broadcaster'

Reuters is reporting that soldiers have taken over the state broadcaster's offices.

Military personnel took over the headquarters of Zimbabwe's ZBC state broadcaster in the early hours of Wednesday, two members of staff and a human rights worker said, compounding speculation of a coup.

Some ZBC members of staff were manhandled when soldiers occupied the premises, the sources said. However, staff were told they "should not worry" as the soldiers were merely there to protect the site, one source added.

12:01AM
Explosions heard in Harare

Reports are emerging of at least three explosions in Zimbabwe's capital Harare as military vehicles are seen in streets.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11 ... al-harare/
Mazars and Deutsche Bank could have ended this nightmare before it started.
They could still get him out of office.
But instead, they want mass death.
Don’t forget that.
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Re: Zimbabwe's Mugabe 'under house arrest' after army takeov

Postby stefano » Thu Nov 16, 2017 8:48 am

Really good context on this from September, some of the reasons the South Africans gave it the green light and the British will be happy

Behind the scenes, Zimbabwe politicians plot post-Mugabe reforms
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Re: Zimbabwe's Mugabe 'under house arrest' after army takeov

Postby seemslikeadream » Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:44 am

OLD FRIENDS
There’s legitimate suspicion that China approved of Zimbabwe’s coup
Military vehicles and soldiers patrol the streets in Harare, Zimbabwe Nov. 15.

WRITTEN BY

Lily Kuo
OBSESSION

China in Africa
November 17, 2017 Quartz Africa
When general Constantino Guveya Chiwenga, head of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), was on his way to China in early November, his vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa was being unceremoniously dismissed from the government and the ruling ZANU-PF party.
Chiwenga returned to Zimbabwe on Nov. 13 and issued a statement demanding president Robert Mugabe stop his purges of senior party officials. Mnangagwa has been a rival to the Mugabe’s wife as a successor to the aging leader. Two days later, the military announced that it had taken control of the government in a takeover it insisted was not a coup—even though reports and pictures say otherwise.
It’s unclear whether China, one of Zimbabwe’s largest trading partners, investors, and diplomatic allies, was privy to the ZDF’s plans. Asked about the visit in which Chiwenga met senior Chinese military officials, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry insisted it was “a normal military exchange.” On whether Chiwenga discussed details of the takeover with his Chinese counterparts, the spokesperson said he didn’t know the specifics.
What is clear, however, is that China will continue playing a major role in Zimbabwe. China is one of its largest trading partners, a major foreign investor, and a critical ally on the United Nations Security Council. On Thursday, China said that its “friendly policy” toward Zimbabwe would not change, regardless of what happens now. The military released a statement today that it is “currently engaging” with Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980. Mnangagwa has reportedly returned to the country.
Chinese president Xi Jinping with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Harare, Zimbabwe on December 1, 2015.
Chinese president Xi Jinping with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Harare, Zimbabwe on December 1, 2015. (Reuters/Philimon Bulawayo)
China and Zimbabwe need each other

Since the early 2000s, as Western countries sanctioned Zimbabwe over Mugabe’s controversial land reforms and repression of opposition forces, Harare has adopted what it calls a “Look East” policy. Before that, in 1989 when the Chinese military violently put down protests in Beijing, Mugabe defended China’s behavior, saying that any reforms made could “only take place on the basis of its own traditions and its own characteristics.”
Today, high level political exchanges are frequent. Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Zimbabwe in 2015 and Mugabe visited China as recently as January. A Chinese company built Zimbabwe’s National Defence College with a loan secured from China. Zimbabwean military officials often attend trainings at the PLA National Defense University.
One of the hallmarks of China’s foreign policy in Africa has been Beijing’s pledges not to interfere in the domestic affairs of its partners. China has repeatedly blocked sanctions on Zimbabwe and Mugabe. Beijing tries to maintain neutrality in political rivalries, working with whatever government is in power.
But over time, China has had to stretch the limits of its self-avowed policy of non-interference in complicated political situations like in South Sudan. In Zimbabwe, China may run into similar complications.
Chinese companies have invested in car manufacturing, diamond mining, tobacco, and power stations. Earlier this year, a Chinese company pledged to invest $2 billion in the defunct steelmaker, the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company. According to researchers of China-Zimbabwe ties, Beijing has likely favored Mnangagwa (pdf, p.13) as a successor to Mugabe.
“A transition would benefit the Chinese in the sense that Mnangagwa is touted as a pragmatic and less ideological leader who could reform Zimbabwe’s economy to promote investment,” says Ronald Chipaike, a lecturer at Bindura University in Zimbabwe, who has researched relations between the two countries.
Whether or not Chiwenga told Beijing of the ZDF’s plans, he at least set the tone for an alliance with a new government in Harare. Speaking to Li Zuocheng of China’s Central Military Commission, believed to have close ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Chiwenga congratulated Li on China’s recent 19th party congress, an event where Xi cemented his position as head of the Chinese Communist Party.
He told Li, according to China’s defense ministry, that Zimbabwe was willing to “deepen exchanges and cooperation in all fields with China to promote the rapid development of bilateral state and military relations.”
https://qz.com/1132281/did-china-approv ... bwes-coup/
Mazars and Deutsche Bank could have ended this nightmare before it started.
They could still get him out of office.
But instead, they want mass death.
Don’t forget that.
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Re: Zimbabwe's Mugabe 'under house arrest' after army takeov

Postby stefano » Tue Nov 21, 2017 12:44 pm

Mugabe's quit. That's really big news. Without being naive about who Mnangagwa is, or subscribing to the Daily Mail caricature of Mugabe as the cartoonish African dictator (because he's the only one who stole from whites in a big way), I do think things are about to get a bit better.
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Re: Zimbabwe's Mugabe 'under house arrest' after army takeov

Postby seemslikeadream » Tue Nov 21, 2017 12:54 pm

Is it like in the U.S. where we are hoping for the military to save the day? :)
Mazars and Deutsche Bank could have ended this nightmare before it started.
They could still get him out of office.
But instead, they want mass death.
Don’t forget that.
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Re: Zimbabwe's Mugabe 'under house arrest' after army takeov

Postby stefano » Tue Nov 21, 2017 1:09 pm

Armies don't save the day... but they can stop things from going completely to shit. Restore an earlier not-great situation, ha.
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