Zimbabwe Gets a New President: Mugabe out, Mnangagwa Sworn In
Thousands attended the swearing in of Emmerson Mnangagwa as Zimbabwe’s new President.
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Emmerson Mnangagwa is sworn in as the new President of Zimbabwe on 24 November. The former Vice President takes the reins from Mugabe 48 hours after Mugabe’s resignation.
After immense pressure, Robert Mugabe resigned as Zimbabwe’s President on Tuesday, 21 November.
Mugabe’s resignation came after continued demands from Mnangagwa, his former party the ZANU-PF, the Opposition, the citizens of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe War Vets’ Association, for him to step down.
The situation which began on 14 November – when the Zimbabwe Defence Forces deployed troops on the streets of the capital, Harare, placed Mugabe and his family under their watch and took over the country’s state media – has finally come to an end.
Thousands flooded the streets of Harare rejoicing the end of his four-decade-long reign. For Mugabe, however, it’s the end of the line as Zimbabwe’s longest ruler.
- Zimbabwe’s new President is sworn in, Former Vice-President Mnangagwa takes the reins as President of Zimbabwe on 24 November
- Robert Mugabe resigns as Zimbabwe’s President on Tuesday, 21 November
- After giving Mugabe an ultimatum to resign, Zimbabwe parliament impeached him.
- The coup-like situation, which began on 14 November, has now ended
Emmerson Mnangagwa Sworn In as Zimbabwe's New President
Mnangagwa who was ousted as Vice President, is sworn in as Zimbabwe’s new President to loud cheers from a packed national stadium in Harare on Friday, 24 November.
Taking his oath of office, the 75-year-old former security chief known as 'The Crocodile' vowed to uphold the constitution of the former British colony and protect the rights of all Zimbabwe's 16 million citizens.
Mnangagwa, 75, was nominated for president by the ruling ZANU-PF party after Robert Mugabe resigned.
Zimbabwe’s Next Prez Mnangagwa Is Mugabe’s Man Friday
Emmerson Mnangagwa, elected Sunday as the new leader of Zimbabwe's ruling political party and positioned to take over as the country's leader, has engineered a remarkable comeback using skills he no doubt learned from his longtime mentor, President Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa served for decades as Mugabe's enforcer — a role that gave him a reputation for being astute, ruthless and effective at manipulating the levers of power.
Read full story here.
Endgame Mugabe: Longest Reigning President of Zimbabwe Resigns
Robert Mugabe resigned as Zimbabwe president on Tuesday, 21 November, putting an end to his nearly four-decade rule over the country. Speculation of his wife, Grace Mugabe, succeeding him as Zimbabwe’s ruler is finally laid to rest.
Thousands took to the streets of the country’s capital, Harare, in celebration of the end of Robert Mugabe’s presidency.
An official from the ruling ZANU-PF said ousted Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa will succeed Mugabe in the next 48 hours.
The streets exploded with people’s cries of jubilation. Watch it below.
Zimbabwe Parliament Begins Impeachment Proceedings Against Mugabe
Zimbabwe's Parliament began an impeachment process against President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday, 21 November, that looks set to bring his rule over the country, which began nearly four decades ago, to a screeching halt.
Meanwhile, thousands gathered outside the Parliament in the capital Harare, echoing a unified cry of ‘Mugabe must go.’ It appeared that Mugabe’s term as ruler of Zimbabwe was fast approaching the finish line.
Former Vice President Asks Mugabe to Resign
Ousted Zimbabwean Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa added his voice on Tuesday to those demanding 93-year-old President Mugabe resign, saying he needed to heed the "clarion call" of his people and step down.
Mnangagwa, who said he fled Zimbabwe because of a threat to his life after being purged from the ruling party, said he had been in contact with Mugabe and invited to return but would not do so until his personal security could be guaranteed.
In another indication of the turning tide, only 5 people show up for the Cabinet meeting called by Mugabe. On the contrary, 17 people appear for the meeting to discuss Mugabe’s impeachment.
Mugabe Calls Cabinet Meeting on 21 November
President Robert Mugabe, sacked from the ZANU-PF, called his cabinet for a meeting on Tuesday at his State House office. The meeting has been called for the same day the ruling ZANU-PF party members plan to impeach him.
This is the first time the ministers are set to meet for their routine weekly meeting with Mugabe since the military took power on 15 November.
Zimbabwe State Media on Stand-By for Military Address
Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster ZBC has been put on stand-by awaiting a military address. The army chief is expected to make an announcement regarding Robert Mugabe’s impeachment.
Meanwhile, the opposition MDC’s lawmakers will meet on Tuesday, 21 November to decide on the impeachment vote. The opposition has also called for an “all-inclusive” process to take the country to legitimacy after Mugabe’s removal.
"Mugabe Has Lost Support of His People and Party," Says UK
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has lost the support of the people, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday, while urging a peaceful and swift resolution to the political situation there.
"We don't yet know how developments in Zimbabwe are going to play out but what does appear clear is that Mugabe has lost the support of the people and of his party," the spokesman said.
"Mugabe's Impeachment Underway," Says Ruling ZANU-PF Party
Lawmakers from President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party met at the party headquarters on Monday to discuss impeaching the 93-year-old leader, after the noon deadline passed without him resigning, ZANU-PF's chief whip Lovemore Matuke said.
Zimbabwe War Vets Leader Says Mugabe Will be Impeached
The leader of Zimbabwe's war veterans said on Sunday plans to impeach President Robert Mugabe would go ahead as scheduled after the 93-year-old leader defied expectations that he would resign in a national address.
Chris Mutsvangwa, who has been leading a campaign to oust Mugabe, told Reuters in a text message moments after Mugabe finished his speech that people would take to the streets of Harare on Wednesday.
Robert Mugabe Defies Expectations of Immediate Resignation
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe defied expectations he would resign on 19 November, Sunday, pledging to preside over a ZANU-PF congress next month even though the ruling party had removed him as its leader hours earlier.
ZANU-PF had given the 93-year-old less than 24 hours to quit as head of state or face impeachment, an attempt to secure a peaceful end to his tenure after a de facto coup.
Mugabe said in a address on state television that he acknowledged criticism against him from ZANU-PF, the military and the public, but did not comment on the possibility of stepping down.
Zimbabwe’s war veteran leader told Reuters that they will proceed with the plans of impeaching Mugabe.
Robert Mugabe Addresses The Nation
The 93-year-old President said "Defence forces' concerns come from patrotic concerns of Zimbabwe", during his address to the nation. Mugabe added that he discussed issues of struggling economy with the security forces.
"Open Public spats between party, government officials made criticisms levelled against us inescapable," Mugabe said.
Mugabe Agrees to Resign
Robert Mugabe agreed to resign as Zimbabwe's President hours after the ruling ZANU-PF party fired him as its leader following 37 years in charge, a source familiar with the negotiations told news agency Reuters.
Mugabe's Wife Grace Also Dismissed
Robert Mugabe's wife Grace Mugabe has also been dismissed from Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF for promoting hate speech and divisiveness, party leader Patrick Chinamasa said.
Mugabe Should Resign as President Immediately: ZANU-PF
ZANU-PF’s leader Patrick Chinamasa demands for Mugabe to resign immediately as President of Zimbabwe. He added that the party had nominated Mnangagwa to be the party’s candidate for new president.
“If Mugabe does not resign by 1200 local on Monday, impeachment proceeding will begin”, Chinamasa said.
Chinamasa also said that the party wanted to amend constitution to remove “notion of one centre of power”.
Mugabe Fired as Ruling Party Leader
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe was fired as leader of the ruling party ZANU-PF on Sunday and replaced by Emmerson Mnangagwa, the deputy he sacked earlier this month, sources at a special ZANU-PF meeting to decide Mugabe's fate told Reuters. His wife, Grace Mugabe has also been expelled from the party.
"He has been expelled," one of delegates told Reuters. "Mnangagwa is our new leader." Three other delegates confirmed Mugabe's dismissal.
South Africa's Zuma Supports "People of Zimbabwe"
South African President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday the African region was committed to supporting "the people of Zimbabwe" after a military takeover and that he was cautiously optimistic that the situation there could be resolved amicably.
Zuma made the comments in the South African city of Durban as thousands of Zimbabweans celebrated the expected downfall of President Robert Mugabe in the streets of Harare.
Zimbabweans Take it to the Streets of Harare to Celebrate Expected fall of Mugabe
Thousands of Zimbabweans flooded the streets of Harare on Saturday, waving national flags and singing and dancing in an outpouring of elation at the expected fall of President Robert Mugabe.
"These are tears of joy," Frank Mutsindikwa, 34, told Reuters, holding aloft the Zimbabwean flag. "I've been waiting all my life for this day. Free at last. We are free at last."
Zimbabwe's Ruling ZANU-PF Party Calls for Mugabe Resignation, To Hold a Rally
Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party called on Friday for President Robert Mugabe to resign, the main state newspaper The Herald reported, the latest sign that the aging leader's authority has collapsed after an army takeover.
The newspaper said that ZANU-PF branches in all 10 provinces had met on Friday and had also called for Mugabe's wife Grace to resign from the party.
Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party is also planning to hold a mass meeting on Saturday to show its support for attempts by the military and veterans of the liberation war to remove Mugabe from power.
The Herald also reported that ZANU-PF would convene a special Central Committee meeting on Sunday to "realign the revolutionary party with current political developments".
Zimbabwe's Military 'Supports' a Solidarity March in the Capital
Zimbabwe's military said on Friday it fully supported a "solidarity march" in the capital Harare as far as it is peaceful on Saturday, part of an apparent groundswell of support in efforts to get President Robert Mugabe to step down, apparently separate from the ZANU-PF event - in Harare on Saturday.
The army said it had been "approached by several private volunteer organisations seeking to freely move and express their desires" and they could do so if they were orderly and peaceful.
China, US Call For Peaceful Return To Civilian Rule
China's Foreign Ministry called on Friday for a peaceful resolution in Zimbabwe under a legal framework, after the army took charge this week.
Pressed on what he meant by a legal framework, he said that it must accord with Zimbabwe's laws.
On the other hand, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday urged "a quick return to civilian rule" in Zimbabwe.
More Calls of 'Mugabe's Must Go' Pour In
The leader of Zimbabwe’s War Veterans’ Association, Chris Mutsvangwa congratulates the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, and says that Mugabe “won’t be allowed to resist and stay in power.”
Kenya’s national media reports that the War Veterans’ Association leader has also called for protests across Zimbabwe on 18 November.
Almost simultaneously, the President of Botswana, Ian Khama says Mugabe must go.
"I don't think anyone should be President for that amount of time. We are Presidents, we are not monarchs. It's just common sense," Khama said.
Mugabe Makes First Public Appearance Since Coup
Mugabe makes his first appearance since the coup, at a University graduation in Harare. Witnesses report seeing Mugabe dressed in a blue and yellow academic gown and hat. President Mugabe delivers a speech to cheers and applause from the crowd.
"No going back," says Ruling Party ZANU-PF To Mugabe
Leaders of Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party met on Friday, to draft a resolution to dismiss President Robert Mugabe, and lay the groundwork for his impeachment next week if, he refuses to stand down, a senior party source said.
Zimbabwe Military Says Engaging Mugabe on The Way Forward
Zimbabwe's military said it was engaging President Robert Mugabe in talks on the way forward for the country and that it would advise the nation on the outcome as soon as possible.
The military added in a statement broadcast on Zimbabwean television that it had made "significant progress" in its operation targeting "criminals" around Mugabe.
US Seeks 'New Era' In Zimbabwe
The United States is seeking "a new era" for Zimbabwe, the State Department's top official for Africa said on Thursday, implicitly calling on long-time President Robert Mugabe to step aside as a political crisis mounts.
In an interview with Reuters, acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto appeared to dismiss the idea of Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years, remaining in a transitional or ceremonial role.
Yamamoto, speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with African Union officials at the State Department in Washington, described the situation in Zimbabwe as "very fluid."
The United States would discuss lifting multiple U.S. sanctions on Zimbabwe if it began enacting political and economic reforms, he said.
In a message for Zimbabwe's political leaders, he said:
The United States has not given aid to Zimbabwe's government for many years, but provides development aid to nongovernmental groups, particularly for healthcare.
Mugabe Meets Zimbabwe Army Chief & South African Delegation
Zimbabwe’s state-run newspaper has published what it calls new photos of President Robert Mugabe meeting with army commander Constantino Chiwenga as talks continue on a resolution to the political turmoil.
Surprisingly, a smiling President Robert Mugabe was pictured shaking hands with Zimbabwe's military chief a day after the army seized power, throwing confusion over predictions that the 93-year-old's nearly four-decade rule had come to an end.
The photos show Mugabe and the army commander meeting at the state house. Mugabe also met with the South African delegation sent by his South African Jacob Zuma at the State House in Harare, likely to discuss a way to end the political turmoil.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, on Thursday, said President Robert Mugabe should resign in the interest of the country after the military seized power.
"In the interest of the people, Mr. Robert Mugabe must resign and step down immediately," Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, said in a news conference.
Mugabe's Motorcade Moved Across Harare, US Embassy Suspends Visa Operations
Multiple witnesses report movement of President Robert Mugabe’s motorcade across Harare. Helicopters are sighted hovering over the capital as the motorcade moves.
Almost simultaneously, the US Embassy said that it will suspend visa operations "amid limited staffing” and will return to regular operations next week.
Meanwhile, More than 100 civil society groups have issued a statement urging Mugabe to peacefully step aside.
South African President Zuma says it’s too early to speculate on Zimbabwe’s political situation.
"Friendly Policy Towards Zimbabwe Won't Change After Military Coup," Says China
China said on Thursday its "friendly policy" towards Zimbabwe would not change, after the military seized power and placed President Robert Mugabe and his family under house arrest.
China and Zimbabwe have a close diplomatic and economic relationship. Beijing has stood with Mugabe's government in the face of Western economic sanctions, investing in auto, diamond, tobacco, and power-station projects.
Mugabe Resisting Army Pressure to Quit
President Robert Mugabe insisted he remains “Zimbabwe's only legitimate ruler,” an intelligence source said on Thursday, and is resisting mediation by a Catholic priest.
Still confined, with his wife Grace and two key figures from her G40 political faction, at his “Blue House” compound in Harare, Mugabe insisted on serving the full term of his presidential rule.
Fuelling speculation that that plan might be rolling into action, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who has been receiving cancer treatment in Britain and South Africa, returned to Harare late on Wednesday, his spokesman said.
Former Finance Minister Says He Could Work in Post Coup Government
Former Zimbabwe finance minister Tendai Biti said on Thursday he would be happy to work in any national unity government that emerges from this week's coup, but only if opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was also on board.
"If Morgan says he's in, I'm in," Biti, who earned international respect during his time as finance minister in a 2009-2013 unity government, told Reuters.
Meanwhile on Twitter:
Streets Remain Calm, Business as Usual in Zimbabwe
In contrast to the high political drama unfolding behind closed doors, the streets of the capital remained calm, with people going about their daily business, albeit under the watch of soldiers on armoured vehicles at strategic locations.
Foreign embassies have cautioned their nationals to stay indoors.
Opposition Leader Returns to Harare
Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who has been receiving cancer treatment outside Zimbabwe, returned to Harare late on 15 November, a party spokesman said, further fuelling speculation about a post-Mugabe political settlement.
Youth Leader Apologises to Military on State TV
The head of the youth wing of Zimbabwe's ruling party on Wednesday publicly apologised on state television to the military.
Kudzai Chipanga, whose powerful ZANU-PF youth wing has been a strong supporter of Mugabe and his wife Grace, said he had voluntarily given his statement apologising for denigrating defense forces chief General Constantino Chiwenga.
It was an abrupt about-face for Chipanga, who on Tuesday accused the army chief of subverting the constitution.
UN Appeals for Calm and Restraint, AU Seeks Democratic Resolution
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for calm and restraint in Zimbabwe on 16 November after the military seized power.
The African Union Commission said on 15 November it was crucial that the political crisis in Zimbabwe be resolved in a manner that promotes democracy and human rights, after the army seized power from President Robert Mugabe.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, on a visit to Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, said he had not spoken to Mugabe but added: "The military have reassured us this is not a coup d'etat. The African Union is against any unconstitutional change of government."
Britain Does Not Want to See Another Tyrant in Zimbabwe: Boris Johnson
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson reacted to the developments in Zimbabwe saying that Britain does not want to see one tyrant take over from another.
Unclear Whether Mugabe has Fallen, says Britain
While urging peace in Zimbabwe, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says it was still unclear whether the seizure of power by the military in Harare, marked the downfall of President Robert Mugabe.
EU Calls for Peaceful Resolution of Zimbabwe Crisis
The European Union calls for dialogue in Zimbabwe, and a peaceful resolution to the military crisis.
France parroted the EU’s request for peaceful resolution. The French foreign ministry, said in a statement that the parties to the conflict should work to resolve the crisis within the framework of the constitution.
Military in Control of Zimbabwe, But Denies Staging Coup
The Zimbabwean military retains control of the country, but denies staging a coup. The statement issued by the military assures that President Robert Mugabe and his family are safe, and guarantees their security.
The country’s influential War Veterans Association also called for the removal of Robert Mugabe as Zimbabwe's President and as first secretary of the ruling Zanu-PF party.
President Mugabe "Confined but Safe", Says South African President Zuma
South African President Jacob Zuma releases a statement saying the takeover shouldn’t lead to an “unconstitutional change” in Zimbabwe’s government. Zuma, who claims to have spoken to Mugabe, says that Zimbabwean President is "confined but safe.” He also issued a call to maintain peace in the country.
In his capacity as chair of the Southern African Development Community, Zuma has said special envoys will be sent to Zimbabwe to meet with Mugabe and the Zimbabwean Defence Force.
Armoured Vehicles Patrol the Streets of Harare
As more armoured vehicles patrol the streets of Harare, blocking roads to government offices, reports of the Zimbabwean military disarming police officers and taking over a paramilitary support unit depot in Harare roll in. Foreign citizens in the city are told to stay indoors by their embassies.
Opposition Calls For Peaceful Return to Democracy
Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) called for a peaceful return to constitutional democracy on Wednesday after an overnight military coup against President Robert Mugabe.
The MDC, the main political challenger to Mugabe's ZANU-PF party for the last two decades, also said it hoped the military intervention would lead to the “establishment of a stable, democratic, and progressive nation state.”
War Veterans Say Move Will Usher in Better Economic Environment
The leader of Zimbabwe's influential liberation war veterans called on Wednesday for South Africa, southern Africa and the West to re-engage with Zimbabwe.
Chris Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe’s war veterans leader, hailed the military's overnight move as the "correction of a state that was careening off a cliff" and said the military administration would usher in a "better business environment" after years of disinvestment and economic decline.
Government Offices Sealed
Zimbabwean soldiers and armoured vehicles blocked roads to the main government offices, the parliament and the courts in central Harare, a witness told Reuters.
Nearby, some Zimbabweans queued for cash outside banks while public taxis ferried commuters to work.
Military Detains Finance Minister
Zimbabwe's military detained Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo after seizing power in an attempt to root out criminals around President Robert Mugabe who it said were causing social and economic suffering, a government source said.
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.
UK, US, Russian, and French Embassies Limit Operations, Tell Citizen to Stay Home
The US ambassador in Zimbabwe instructed all employees to remain home on Wednesday due to "ongoing political uncertainty," the embassy said in a statement on its website amid speculation about a coup.
"US citizens in Zimbabwe are encouraged to shelter in place until further notice," the statement said, adding the embassy would be closed to the public on Wednesday.
The French embassy closed a French school in the country for additional safety to its expatriates. The Russian embassy said it will limit operations.
The UK government also expressed concerns over the safety of their citizens amid the unrest. The government advised its citizens currently in Harare, Zimbabwe, to remain indoors until political situation becomes clearer in the African country.
Soldiers Take Over Zimbabwe's State Broadcaster
Soldiers took over the headquarters of Zimbabwe's ZBC state broadcaster in the early hours of Wednesday.
Some ZBC members of staff were manhandled when soldiers occupied the premises, the sources said. However, staff were told they "should not worry" as the soldiers were merely there to protect the site, one source added.
Explosions Heard Across Central Harare
Several loud explosions echoed across central Harare in the early hours of 15 November after troops deployed on the streets of the capital seized the state broadcaster, prompting speculation of a coup.
Tanks and Armed Personnel Seen Heading Towards The Capital
Tanks and armoured personnel carriers were seen heading towards the Zimbabwe capital Harare late Tuesday night, just 24 hours after military chief General Constantino Chiwenga threatened to intervene to end a purge of his allies in Mugabe's ZANU-PF after being accused of treason. Zimbabwean soldiers and armoured vehicles blocked roads to the main government offices, parliament and the courts in central Harare on 15 November.
(Updates compiled from Reuters)
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