Military takes over Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s military has taken control of the capital and the state broadcaster, with President Robert Mugabe being held under house arrest. 
In what appeared to be a coup against the 93-year-old Mugabe – the world’s oldest head of state – the military insisted it had not staged a takeover, but was instead starting a process to restore the country’s democracy.

It comes after a power struggle over who would replace the aging leader, with his wife Grace seen as the most likely successor.
Her current whereabouts are unclear, although the military claims she is also under house arrest.
South African president Jacob Zuma said his country’s ministers of defence and state security are being sent to Zimbabwe to meet with Mr Mugabe and the military.

The night’s action triggered speculation of a coup but the military’s supporters praised it as a ‘bloodless correction’.
For the first time, the southern African nation is seeing the military oppose Mr Mugabe, the world’s oldest head of state and one of the longest-serving authoritarian rulers.


Mr Mugabe has been in power since Zimbabwe’s independence from white minority rule in 1980.
The move comes after Mr Mugabe last week fired vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mr Mnangagwa – who enjoyed the military’s backing – fled Zimbabwe last week but said he would return to lead the country.
More than 100 senior officials allegedly supporting him have been listed for disciplinary measures by a faction associated with Mr Mugabe’s wife Grace.

‘We are only targeting criminals around (Mugabe) who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice.’
Mr Moyo added ‘as soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy’.

The army spokesman called on churches to pray for the nation.
He urged other security forces to ‘co-operate for the good of our country,’ warning ‘any provocation will be met with an appropriate response’.
All troops were ordered to return to barracks immediately, with all leave cancelled, said Mr Moyo. The broadcast was sent out from the ZBC headquarters in Pocket’s Hill near Harare’s Borrowdale suburb.
Overnight, at least three explosions were heard in the capital, Harare, and military vehicles were seen in the streets.

The military actions appear to put the army in control of the country.
Army commander Constantino Chiwenga had threatened on Monday to ‘step in’ to calm political tensions.
Mr Mugabe’s ruling ZANU-PF party responded by accusing the general of ‘treasonable conduct’. But now Mr Chiwenga appears to be in control.
The US Embassy closed to the public on Wednesday and encouraged citizens to shelter in place, citing ‘the ongoing political uncertainty through the night’.
The British Embassy issued a similar warning, citing ‘reports of unusual military activity’.