Zimbabwe: Army seizes control

Zimbabwe: Army seizes control

(File photo) Robert Mugabe 's wife, Grace Mugabe and former Vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa.- REUTERS

(Vatican Radio) The bitter rivalry to succeed Robert Mugabe as President came to a head  Tuesday when Zimbabwe’s  Army chief, Gen Constantino Chiwenga effectively seized control of state power. The military took control of state television Tuesday and announced that it was acting against economic “criminals” surrounding Mugabe. 

Mugabe and his family were said to be safe and South African President, Jacob Zumba is said to have spoken with Mugabe. A military spokesperson denied their actions were a coup. 

Unconfirmed reports say former Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, sacked by Mugabe about a week ago, has returned to Zimbabwe from South Africa where he had fled. The Army could install him as interim President. Other reports say that Mugabe, his wife Grace and some senior members of his circle are under house arrest. 

With Mugabe at 93, and becoming feeble by the day, the succession battle has been playing itself out for years. In the end, it came down to Zimbabwe’s first lady, Grace Mugabe, and the former Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa. 

When Mugabe fired Mnangagwa, it was seen as a move paving the way for Mugabe’s wife to be appointed Vice President. This would have put her in line to be 'annionted' President were Mugabe to step down.

Both Mnangagwa and Grace have rival groups backing them within the ZANU PF. This time though it appears the Army and Independence war veterans feel that their interests are better protected under Mnangagwa. 

The Zimbabwe Independent newspaper Online describes Mnangagwa as a former security aide and personal assistant to Mugabe for 50 years. 

Mnangagwa will undoubtedly need to reinvent himself and make some democratic concessions in a bid to consolidate power, should he be appointed. 

But it is early days and the situation in Zimbabwe unfolding by the hour. Mnangagwa and army allies know they have to contend with the ZANU PF youth wing at some point. The youth wing fiercely backs Grace Mugabe. Perhaps Tuesday’s military deployment of tanks and heavy weapons in Harare’s suburbs was meant to send a message to Grace’s supporters.

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe capital, Harare, mostly remained calm and people stayed indoors.

(Vatican Radio)

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