What we know so far
- 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.
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