Army takes control

Zimbabwe in state of uncertainty as Mugabe’s reign teeters

AFTER taking over the state broadcaster during a night of unrest, Zimbabwe’s army said yesterday it was only targeting “criminals” around President Robert Mugabe, and sought to reassure the country that “this is not a military takeover”.

Mugabe and his wife were safe, the army spokesman said.

“As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect the situation will return to normalcy,” the spokesman said.

He urged other security forces to “co-operate for the good of our country,” warning that “any provocation will be met with an appropriate response”.

Overnight, at least three explosions were heard in the capital, Harare, and military vehicles were seen in the streets. On Monday, the army commander had threatened to “step in” to calm political tensions over the 93-year-old Mugabe’s possible successor.

The ruling party accused the commander of “treasonable conduct”.

The US Embassy closed to the public yesterday and encouraged citizens to shelter in place, citing “the ongoing political uncertainty”. The British Embassy issued a similar warning, citing “reports of unusual military activity”.

For the first time, this southern African nation is seeing an open rift between the military and Mugabe, the world’s oldest head of state who has ruled since independence from white minority rule in 1980. The military has been a key pillar of his power.

It was not clear where Mugabe and his wife were yesterday but it seemed they were in the custody of the military.

“Their security is guaranteed,” the army statement declared.

“We wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover.

“We are only targeting criminals around (Mugabe) who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice.”