Zimbabwe Military Tank near Mugabe’s home on Tuesday, Nov. 14th spikes fear of takeover
‘Military Not Planning Takeover in Zimbabwe’
Following the tension created in Zimbabwe by the ouster of the Vice President and Mugabe long-time loyalist, Emmerson Mnagagwa and suspected takeover attempt by Mugabe’s wife, Grace, the military authority said it has put Mugabe and grace under custody to restore calm in the country.
However, speculations are rife that this drama might lead to eventual military take-over.
“We wish to make this abundantly clear this is not a military takeover of government,” army spokesman Maj. Gen. SB Moyo said in the early morning statement. “What the Zimbabwe defense 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.”
“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,” he said.
But political indices in Zimbabwe have not suggested that the army will take over. “The military might only want to threaten the Mugabe hegemony, bring Mnagagwa back to Zimbawe and restore peace and calmness in the troubles country.
The ruling party, ZANU-PF is fully in support of the military action. It tweeted this morning “@zanu_pf handle. “Neither Zimbabwe nor ZANU are owned by Mugabe and his wife. Today begins a fresh new era and comrade Mnangagwa will help us achieve a better Zimbabwe.”
The claim adds to the military’s statement early Wednesday, delivered after soldiers took over state television, that the army is not carrying out a military takeover of the government and that Mugabe and his family are safe. However, the situation remained tense in the capital as Zimbabweans both inside and outside the country watched and wondered about the fate of the 93-year-old president, who has ruled the Southern African nation since 1980. In that time, the economy has all but collapsed and Zimbabwe has become a pariah state in the West over allegations of human rights abuses.
Witnesses also said military vehicles and soldiers were on the streets early Wednesday, hours after soldiers took over state broadcaster ZBC. Local residents said instead of the usual 11 p.m. newscast, music videos were played instead.
A spokesman at the U.S. embassy in Harare told VOA the streets appeared calm and had no confirmed sightings of military vehicles. The embassy warned Americans via its web site to “shelter in their residences” and work from home on Wednesday. They said the embassy will be minimally staffed and closed to the public.
The Canadian Embassy, via Twitter, reported “increased military activity in Harare” early Wednesday, but did not give details. The embassy, they said, will be closed Wednesday.