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Zimbabwe army denies coup against Mugabe as it takes control of Harare – live Zimbabwe army denies coup against Mugabe as it takes control of Harare – live
(35 minutes later)
Zimbabwean defence forces have seized control of state broadcaster ZBC overnight, screening a statement declaring that it is “targeting criminals” around the president, Robert Mugabe.
Mugabe himself, and his family, are “safe and sound”, army spokesman Major General SB Moyo said. Mugabe has not appeared in public or issued a statement. It is unclear whether he is in the custody of the military.
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 General Constantino 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, finance minister Ignatius Chombo, 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.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.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 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.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.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.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 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.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?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.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.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.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.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.”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 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.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/kgqVxfuOoxDue 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.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”.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”.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”.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.“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”.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”.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.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.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: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.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: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.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.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.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.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.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.
In the hours before army spokesman Major General SB Moyo took to the state broadcaster to deliver the message, gunshots and explosions were heard in the streets of Harare. Some were heard close to the presidential residence in the north of the city:In the hours before army spokesman Major General SB Moyo took to the state broadcaster to deliver the message, gunshots and explosions were heard in the streets of Harare. Some were heard close to the presidential residence in the north of the city:
@AFP Close-up map of Harare showing the area where gunshots were heard near the presidential residence in the early hours of November 15.Military takes to streets in Zimbabwe but denies coup https://t.co/7yQGTSja8u pic.twitter.com/u0h9L0aqqT@AFP Close-up map of Harare showing the area where gunshots were heard near the presidential residence in the early hours of November 15.Military takes to streets in Zimbabwe but denies coup https://t.co/7yQGTSja8u pic.twitter.com/u0h9L0aqqT
Zimbabwe army spokesman Major General SB Moyo has addressed the nation after taking control of the state broadcaster. Moyo said President Mugabe was “safe and sound” and insisted the army was only targeting “criminals” around him.Zimbabwe army spokesman Major General SB Moyo has addressed the nation after taking control of the state broadcaster. Moyo said President Mugabe was “safe and sound” and insisted the army was only targeting “criminals” around him.
The Canadian embassy in Zimbabwe has also advised people in the capital to “remain indoors” amid “increased military activity”, echoing guidance from the US and UK embassies.The Canadian embassy in Zimbabwe has also advised people in the capital to “remain indoors” amid “increased military activity”, echoing guidance from the US and UK embassies.
There is increased military activity in Harare and the situation is tense. If you are in Harare, remain indoors and monitor the media. The Embassy will be closed November 15th.There is increased military activity in Harare and the situation is tense. If you are in Harare, remain indoors and monitor the media. The Embassy will be closed November 15th.
Associated Press reports that veterans of the country’s liberation wars have backed the military action:Associated Press reports that veterans of the country’s liberation wars have backed the military action:
The Zimbabwe army’s takeover of the state broadcaster and action against some members of President Robert Mugabe’s government has been praised by the chairman of the Liberation War Veterans’ Association.The Zimbabwe army’s takeover of the state broadcaster and action against some members of President Robert Mugabe’s government has been praised by the chairman of the Liberation War Veterans’ Association.
Chris Mutsvangwa, head of the war veterans’ group, issued a statement from Johannesburg praising army General Constantino Chiwenga for carrying out “a bloodless correction of gross abuse of power”.Chris Mutsvangwa, head of the war veterans’ group, issued a statement from Johannesburg praising army General Constantino Chiwenga for carrying out “a bloodless correction of gross abuse of power”.
The statement said the army will return Zimbabwe to “genuine democracy”.The statement said the army will return Zimbabwe to “genuine democracy”.
Mutsvangwa and the war veterans’ group are staunch allies of Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was fired from his post of vice president by Mugabe last week.Mutsvangwa and the war veterans’ group are staunch allies of Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was fired from his post of vice president by Mugabe last week.
Mnangagwa, nicknamed “the Crocodile”, himself fought in the liberation wars, and had been considered the mostly likely candidate to succeed Mugabe before his sacking last week.Mnangagwa, nicknamed “the Crocodile”, himself fought in the liberation wars, and had been considered the mostly likely candidate to succeed Mugabe before his sacking last week.
The Guardian’s Africa correspondent Jason Burke says the night’s events indicate moves are underway to block Grace Mugabe and the G40 faction:The Guardian’s Africa correspondent Jason Burke says the night’s events indicate moves are underway to block Grace Mugabe and the G40 faction:
once you get the guy in uniform on the TV then its a coup. especially when he says the president is “safe and sound”. #Zimbabwehttps://t.co/7olxG9DdLUonce you get the guy in uniform on the TV then its a coup. especially when he says the president is “safe and sound”. #Zimbabwehttps://t.co/7olxG9DdLU
v clear that army in #zimbabwe moved to stop Grace and her clique. question is what happens once they’ve done that …. https://t.co/CBzYYmH5fIv clear that army in #zimbabwe moved to stop Grace and her clique. question is what happens once they’ve done that …. https://t.co/CBzYYmH5fI
Reuters reports from Harare that soldiers and armoured vehicles have blocked access to government offices, the parliament building and the courts.Reuters reports from Harare that soldiers and armoured vehicles have blocked access to government offices, the parliament building and the courts.
The Guardian has not yet been able to independently verify this.The Guardian has not yet been able to independently verify this.
As Dewa Mavhinga, Southern Africa director of Human Rights Watch, notes, Wednesday morning’s Zimbabwean newspapers are already out of date:As Dewa Mavhinga, Southern Africa director of Human Rights Watch, notes, Wednesday morning’s Zimbabwean newspapers are already out of date:
#Zimbabwe state paper @HeraldZimbabwe headline this morning quickly overtaken by events in last few hours pic.twitter.com/NQweSJqzCe#Zimbabwe state paper @HeraldZimbabwe headline this morning quickly overtaken by events in last few hours pic.twitter.com/NQweSJqzCe
He adds:He adds:
Quiet on the streets, business as usual, but all ZBC TV programming is military - Chiwenga statement on repeatQuiet on the streets, business as usual, but all ZBC TV programming is military - Chiwenga statement on repeat
“Chiwenga statement” would appear to refer to the warning issued by army chief Constantino Chiwenga on Monday – which was not carried by ZBC, the state broadcaster at the time – that troops would intervene if the purge of Zanu-PF officials did not halt.“Chiwenga statement” would appear to refer to the warning issued by army chief Constantino Chiwenga on Monday – which was not carried by ZBC, the state broadcaster at the time – that troops would intervene if the purge of Zanu-PF officials did not halt.
Ignatius Chombo, the finance minister reportedly detained by the army overnight, is a prominent member of the G40 faction within the ruling Zanu-PF party. This faction, fronted by Grace Mugabe, wife of the president, opposed Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president sacked by Robert Mugabe last week.Ignatius Chombo, the finance minister reportedly detained by the army overnight, is a prominent member of the G40 faction within the ruling Zanu-PF party. This faction, fronted by Grace Mugabe, wife of the president, opposed Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice-president sacked by Robert Mugabe last week.
Some observers say this action by the military could be an attempt to curb the influence of the G40 and particularly of Grace Mugabe and her ambitions for the presidency.Some observers say this action by the military could be an attempt to curb the influence of the G40 and particularly of Grace Mugabe and her ambitions for the presidency.
Reuters reports, citing an unnamed government source, that finance minister Ignatius Chombo is among those detained by the army.Reuters reports, citing an unnamed government source, that finance minister Ignatius Chombo is among those detained by the army.
Chombo, formerly home affairs minister, was moved to the finance role in October.Chombo, formerly home affairs minister, was moved to the finance role in October.
You can read the full statement from the military – issued after troops took over state broadcaster ZBC – here:You can read the full statement from the military – issued after troops took over state broadcaster ZBC – here: