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Zimbabwe army takes control of Harare but denies coup against Mugabe – live Zimbabwe army takes control of Harare but denies coup against Mugabe – live
(35 minutes later)
Some news outlets have been relying on tweets posted by what is purporting to be the official Zanu-PF account, @Zanu_pf.
BBC News quoted the account on its website and, on Radio 4’s flagship news programme Today, Nick Robinson referred to it as the “Zanu-PF official Twitter account” as he quoted a series of its messages - albeit noting it was unclear who was in control of the account.
However, the account’s past activity has led many to wonder whether it is, indeed, official.
As we’ve said, it is not unusual for Zimbabwean government accounts not to be verified by Twitter and it is sometimes difficult to get a clear idea of what is - and what is not - a legitimate government outlet. But Zanu_pf’s informal delivery and apparent preoccupations with “hipsters” and sex suggest it is the latter.
Indeed, the local title NewsDay reported in 2013 that it was a fake account and the identity of its owner was sought by genuine Zanu-PF officials. At around the same time, the respected South African title Daily Maverick called it fake. Moreover, in 2012, the Atlantic magazine updated one of its articles, in which it had cited the account, to say it now believed it not to be genuine.
Our correspondent in Harare quoted an official, who asked not to be named because of his job, as saying people in Zimbabwe are “excited because they are ready for change”.Our correspondent in Harare quoted an official, who asked not to be named because of his job, as saying people in Zimbabwe are “excited because they are ready for change”.
“I don’t think [it] will get violent because they are doing this for the people, if they start shedding blood, [they] can’t do that any more. That is why they told people to stay away from [the] centre of town unless they have business, so troublemakers cannot stir things up,” he said.“I don’t think [it] will get violent because they are doing this for the people, if they start shedding blood, [they] can’t do that any more. That is why they told people to stay away from [the] centre of town unless they have business, so troublemakers cannot stir things up,” he said.
The South African president, Jacob Zuma, speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community, has expressed concern at the infolding situation in Zimbabwe, calling for it to be resolved amicably, Reuters reports.The South African president, Jacob Zuma, speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community, has expressed concern at the infolding situation in Zimbabwe, calling for it to be resolved amicably, Reuters reports.
Zuma urged calm and restraint and expressed hope that there will be no coup in Zimbabwe, which would be in conflict with the positions of SADC and the African Union. He said the former would monitor the situation and stood ready to help resolve it.Zuma urged calm and restraint and expressed hope that there will be no coup in Zimbabwe, which would be in conflict with the positions of SADC and the African Union. He said the former would monitor the situation and stood ready to help resolve it.
The regional context is important. It appears that Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president Mugabe fired, entered South Africa last week and left today to return to Zimbabwe without impediment. This means Pretoria and the region in general are not unhappy with what is happening there.The regional context is important. It appears that Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president Mugabe fired, entered South Africa last week and left today to return to Zimbabwe without impediment. This means Pretoria and the region in general are not unhappy with what is happening there.
Therefore, any transition that puts Mnangagwa in power will likely have the backing of neighbours, especially the biggest and richest ones.Therefore, any transition that puts Mnangagwa in power will likely have the backing of neighbours, especially the biggest and richest ones.
Tweets from the unverified @YLZANUPF1 Twitter account, which are believed to come from the Zanu-PF youth league, strongly suggest this wing of the ruling party – widely considered to be the only faction that may be likely to take to the streets to defend Grace Mugabe and her allies – is falling into line with the military’s actions. That means violence is unlikely and Grace Mugabe and her associates are in a lot of trouble, to put it mildly.Tweets from the unverified @YLZANUPF1 Twitter account, which are believed to come from the Zanu-PF youth league, strongly suggest this wing of the ruling party – widely considered to be the only faction that may be likely to take to the streets to defend Grace Mugabe and her allies – is falling into line with the military’s actions. That means violence is unlikely and Grace Mugabe and her associates are in a lot of trouble, to put it mildly.
It is not unusual for genuine Twitter accounts associated with the governance of Zimbabwe not to be verified by the social media site, though there are questions over who is in control of some of the accounts purporting to be such.It is not unusual for genuine Twitter accounts associated with the governance of Zimbabwe not to be verified by the social media site, though there are questions over who is in control of some of the accounts purporting to be such.
In another very important development, Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president fired by Mugabe, is back in the country. He flew into Manyame airbase this morning. He’s always had a lot of support in the army and it’s very likely he’ll be taking over as the de facto head of government, with Mugabe, 93, as a figurehead.In another very important development, Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president fired by Mugabe, is back in the country. He flew into Manyame airbase this morning. He’s always had a lot of support in the army and it’s very likely he’ll be taking over as the de facto head of government, with Mugabe, 93, as a figurehead.
A visit to China last week by the head of the Zimbabwean army, General Constantino Chiwenga, was entirely normal, Beijing has said as the military action in the southern African country unfolds.A visit to China last week by the head of the Zimbabwean army, General Constantino Chiwenga, was entirely normal, Beijing has said as the military action in the southern African country unfolds.
China is closely watching the situation in Zimbabwe and hopes that relevant parties can properly handle their internal affairs, its foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, told a daily news briefing.China is closely watching the situation in Zimbabwe and hopes that relevant parties can properly handle their internal affairs, its foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, told a daily news briefing.
Gen Chiwenga met the Chinese defence minister, Chang Wanquan, on Friday, where the latter expressed a willingness to promote relations with Zimbabwe.Gen Chiwenga met the Chinese defence minister, Chang Wanquan, on Friday, where the latter expressed a willingness to promote relations with Zimbabwe.
The Chinese defence ministry showed a picture of the two men, both wearing military uniform, shaking hands, and another one of officers from both countries sitting opposite each other holding a meeting at the People’s Liberation Army headquarters in Beijing, Reuters reported.The Chinese defence ministry showed a picture of the two men, both wearing military uniform, shaking hands, and another one of officers from both countries sitting opposite each other holding a meeting at the People’s Liberation Army headquarters in Beijing, Reuters reported.
Asked whether Chiwenga had briefed China on plans to seize power, Geng Shuang said:Asked whether Chiwenga had briefed China on plans to seize power, Geng Shuang said:
I can only tell you that his visit to China this time was a normal military exchange mutually agreed upon by China and Zimbabwe. As a country that is friendly with Zimbabwe, we are paying close attention to developments of the situation in Zimbabwe.I can only tell you that his visit to China this time was a normal military exchange mutually agreed upon by China and Zimbabwe. As a country that is friendly with Zimbabwe, we are paying close attention to developments of the situation in Zimbabwe.
Maintaining peaceful and stable development accords with the fundamental interests of Zimbabwe and regional countries, and is the common desire of the international community. We hope the relevant parties in Zimbabwe appropriately handle their internal matters.Maintaining peaceful and stable development accords with the fundamental interests of Zimbabwe and regional countries, and is the common desire of the international community. We hope the relevant parties in Zimbabwe appropriately handle their internal matters.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice to British nationals this morning.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice to British nationals this morning.
Due to the uncertain political situation in Harare, including reports of unusual military activity, we recommend British nationals currently in Harare to remain safely at home or in their accommodation until the situation becomes clearer. Please continue to monitor our travel advice and embassy social media accounts for updates.Due to the uncertain political situation in Harare, including reports of unusual military activity, we recommend British nationals currently in Harare to remain safely at home or in their accommodation until the situation becomes clearer. Please continue to monitor our travel advice and embassy social media accounts for updates.
You should avoid political activity, or activities that could be considered political, including political discussions in public places and criticism of the president. You should avoid all demonstrations and rallies. The authorities have sometimes used force to suppress demonstrations.You should avoid political activity, or activities that could be considered political, including political discussions in public places and criticism of the president. You should avoid all demonstrations and rallies. The authorities have sometimes used force to suppress demonstrations.
The national police force has recalled all officers on leave, Associated Press reports. A senior police official, who insisted on anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said all officers have been ordered to return to their posts immediately.The national police force has recalled all officers on leave, Associated Press reports. A senior police official, who insisted on anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said all officers have been ordered to return to their posts immediately.
Only at the president’s office in central Harare is there an indication of dramatic change. A soldier is stationed at nearby junctions turning traffic away, a correspondent in Harare reports.Only at the president’s office in central Harare is there an indication of dramatic change. A soldier is stationed at nearby junctions turning traffic away, a correspondent in Harare reports.
“Although a little bit scary, I think this is good for us. It has been a long time, we are going through a lot of hardships,” a fruit and vegetable seller in downtown Harare tells the Guardian’s correspondent.“Although a little bit scary, I think this is good for us. It has been a long time, we are going through a lot of hardships,” a fruit and vegetable seller in downtown Harare tells the Guardian’s correspondent.
Samaz said he had worked his whole life in a job he did not want to stay in because there was nothing better for him. “My beard is grey and I am still in the street,” he says.Samaz said he had worked his whole life in a job he did not want to stay in because there was nothing better for him. “My beard is grey and I am still in the street,” he says.
He adds that there are many fewer people than usual in the streets of the capital. He was surprised by the morning’s news, which he found out when he headed into town in and was told about a “no-go area”.He adds that there are many fewer people than usual in the streets of the capital. He was surprised by the morning’s news, which he found out when he headed into town in and was told about a “no-go area”.
Our correspondent in Harare reports that the centre of the city seems almost disconcertingly normal. If there were troops near Zimbabwe house and State house, they have gone. There are a handful of troops in the yellow berets of the presidential guard milling around outside their downtown barracks, but no signs of extra activity or army (red berets) guarding or constraining them. Even the newspapers, published too late to reflect the night’s turmoil, give no sense of what happened in billboards or front pages.
Zimbabwean defence forces have seized control of the state broadcaster ZBC overnight, screening a statement declaring that it is “targeting criminals” around the president, Robert Mugabe.
Mugabe and his family are “safe and sound”, said the army spokesman Maj Gen SB Moyo said. Mugabe has not appeared in public or issued a statement. It is unclear whether he is in military custody.
In a statement broadcast overnight, Moyo insisted:
We wish to make this abundantly clear this is not a military takeover of government. What the Zimbabwe defence forces is doing is to pacify a degenerating political, social and economic situation in our country, which if not addressed may result in violent conflict.
But the statement made it clear the army had acted in response to a purge of Zanu-PF members, including the vice-president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was sacked by Mugabe last week, and had been angered by the failure of state media to report on a warning issued by the army chief, Gen Constantine Chiwenga, on Monday:
The situation in our country has moved to another level … To members of the Zimbabwe defence forces, all leave is cancelled and you are all to return to your barracks with immediate effect …
Let it be clear we intend to address the human security threats in our country. Therefore, any provocation will be met with an appropriate response.
Armoured vehicles and troops have on Wednesday morning blocked roads in central Harare around government buildings and the presidential residence.
There are reports that at least one minister, Ignatius Chombo, who holds the finance brief, has been detained by the military.
Chombo is a leading member of the G40 faction of the ruling Zanu-PF party, led by Mugabe’s wife, Grace, who is vying to succeed the 93-year-old president. This faction is believed to be the target of the military’s action.
Read our latest report here:
Emmerson Mnangagwa, dismissed as vice-president last week in a move that was widely interpreted as clearing the way for the promotion of Grace Mugabe, is reported to have returned to Zimbabwe.
am hearing that Emerson Mnangagwa - fired VP - is now back in Zimbabwe and will meet Mugabe shortly. likely de facto transfer of power, i’d guess, but expect lots of pledges of loyalty to elected president etc. https://t.co/Ip8xEkvpz3
Observers will be asking if what is happening in Zimbabwe is a military takeover, or basically office politics that have run wildly out of control.
The answer is both.
It is fairly clear the armed forces have taken power in the former British colony – they control the state broadcaster, the streets of the capital and, most importantly, the personal residence of the head of state.
It is also fairly clear why they have acted now. This is a pre-emptive strike to stop Grace Mugabe, the president’s 53-year-old wife, and her clique taking pole position in the race to succeed the oldest living ruler in the world.
The fortunes of the first lady have been rising in recent months, at the expense of the allies of the military within the ruling Zanu-PF party. The most obvious example is Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president and veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation war who was fired unceremoniously last week, clearing the way for Grace to be appointed in his place.
But there are others who have been sidelined. Senior soldiers fear they will suffer if Grace and her associates take over. They also believe she will be corrupt, vindictive and incompetent, and know that the first lady’s violent outbursts and extravagance – as well as that of her entourage and sons – have already made her very unpopular.
The soldiers are also concerned about a further massive deterioration of the economy. Inflation and the collapse of the Zimbabwean currency has already impoverished many rank and file soldiers, and hit the incomes of officers too. The wages of the millions of government employees – troops, police, civil servants and others – often go unpaid for months on end. This means the seizure of power today will be greeted by many with relief, if not enthusiasm.
The course of events over the next few days is harder to see clearly. Whatever happens is likely to be chaotic and fast-moving – though it will be a surprise if there is any violent resistance to the takeover.
Once the dust settles, and the rise of Grace and her faction has been reversed, the soldiers will have to decide. Will they return power to the civilians – particularly the ageing head of state and commander-in-chief, Mugabe – or will the temptation to run the country themselves prove too great? Will they call back Mnangagwa to take power himself with Mugabe perhaps reduced to a figurehead?
Two key markers will be the annual convention of the Zanu-PF next month, and the elections next year. Observers will be looking for an early commitment from the military to allowing both to go ahead.
The opposition MDC party has said it wants to see a peaceful, constitutional “democratisation” of Zimbabwe following the army move, Reuters reports.
In a statement, the MDC says it urges the establishment of a stable, democratic and progressive nation state.
Chris Mutsvangwa, chairman of the Zimbabwe war veterans’ group, has praised the night’s events as a “bloodless correction of gross abuse of power” by members of Robert Mugabe’s government.
Mutsvangwa told the Associated Press he believed the army would return Zimbabwe to “genuine democracy” and make the country a “modern model nation.”
The war veterans are supporters of Emmerson Mnangagwa, the former vice-president who was fired Mugabe last week following a power struggle over succession with the president’s wife, Grace Mugabe.
The EU delegation has joined the embassies of the US and others in staying closed on Wednesday.
Due to the current situation in Zimbabwe, the EU Delegation will remain closed for the public today. Thank you for your understanding. pic.twitter.com/kgqVxfuOox
The military in Zimbabwe appears to have taken control of the country’s airwaves amid high tension in the capital and reports of explosions and gunfire.
After securing control of the state broadcaster, a military spokesman, Major General SB Moyo made a televised announcement early on Wednesday saying President Robert Mugabe and his family were “safe and sound and their security is guaranteed”.
He said the army was targeting “criminals around” Mugabe, who were “committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in order to bring them to justice”.
Insisting this was not a military takeover, Moyo said “as soon as they are done the situation will come to normalcy”.
“We urge you to remain calm and limit unnecessary movement. However, we encourage those who are employed and those with essential business in the city to continue their normal activities as usual,” he said.
Moyo said the army had acted because the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation had been ordered not to broadcast a statement from the military on Monday and “the situation in our country has moved to another level”.
Cancelling all leave for members of the military, he urged the security forces to “cooperate for the good of our country”. He warned “any provocation will be met with an appropriate response”.
Following the speech, Zimbabwe’s military detained finance minister Ignatius Chombo. 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.
The military statement followed hours of chaos in Harare, with witnesses reporting a number of loud explosions and armed forces assaulting passers-by.
Read the full report here:
Images from central Harare as morning breaks show tanks and troops on the streets around government buildings and the presidential residence.
Jolyon Ford, a Zimbabwean law academic at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, tells the Guardian:
There’s going to be people who say the generals have been wielding power since at least 2008 and now they are just overtly doing it.
I would say that is wrong: they were loyal to the president and he was their protector. So this is a very significant change.
To come in in this way, if they are united, is something quite new.
The military has no loyalty to Grace Mugabe at all and is threatened by her because her influence comes from a younger generation of Zanu party politicians who were not involved in the liberation struggle and have a different set of networks.
They are intervening because they fear another faction of the party – the wife and younger generation – is in the ascendancy. The senior-most military became very rich and they have a lot to lose if the regime changes.