How it started

Tensions have been building in Zimbabwe since Emmerson Mnangagwa, a powerful figure in the ruling Zanu-PF Party, fled to South Africa last week after he was fired and was then stripped of his lifetime membership of the party.

The move was widely seen as part of a battle between Mnangagwa and Grace Mugabe, the first lady, over the presidential succession when Robert Mugabe dies or steps down. The Zimbabwean President, who is 93, fights his last election next year.

Many expect Grace Mugabe to be appointed vice-president in Mnangagwa’s place at the Zanu PF special congress next month. General Constantino Chiwenga, an ally of Mnangagwa, demanded on Tuesday that Mugabe immediately cease “purging” the former vicepresident’s allies in the party and in government. “We must remind those behind the current treacherous shenanigans that when it comes to matters of protecting our revolution, the military will not hesitate to step in,” the head of the armed forces commander said.

Kudzai Chipanga, the leader of Zanu-PF’s youth wing, accused Chiwenga of stealing billions of rands and said his movement would act to protect the President. “We as Zanu-PF youth league are a lion which has awakened and found its voice, therefore we will not sit idly and fold our hands whilst cheap potshots and threats are made against Mugabe.”