Prime minister voices concerns for British nationals in Zimbabwe

Factfile

Theresa May has called for an avoidance of violence in Zimbabwe. The prime minister said the situation was “fluid” and urged “restraint on all sides”.

She said the government’s primary concern was the safety of UK nationals in the former British colony, and urged expats in Harare to stay “safely at home” until the situation becomes clearer. At prime minister’s questions, Mrs May said: “We have all seen what has been taking place. Of course our primary concern is the safety of British nationals.” ■ Who is Robert Mugabe?

– At 93, the Zimbabwean president is the world’s oldest head of state and one of its longest serving, taking office in 1987 having already served seven years as prime minister. He was a key figure in the civil war against white minority rule in what was then Rhodesia, helping force the British to broker a peace deal that spelled the end of the colonial government. Initially hailed as a revolutionary hero, Mugabe is now regarded as a brutal dictator guilty of crimes against humanity, economic mismanagement and perpetuating corruption.

■ What is Zanu-PF? – The Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) has been in power in Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. It is described as socialistconservative in its ideology and champions African nationalism and opposes western cultural domination and liberalism.

■ Why is Mugabe blamed for Zimbabwe’s economic problems? – A series of economic policies took the country to the brink of disaster under Mugabe’s rule. Land grabs from white Zimbabweans decimated established businesses and saw millions of citizens, black and white, emigrate in search of a better life. Spiralling inflation and an unemployment rate peaking at 50% in the first part of the 21st century left millions of Zimbabweans unable to feed themselves.

■ Who is Grace Mugabe?

– She was the president’s secretary and mistress until 1996 when his wife died, and they married in a lavish public ceremony. The first lady was widely believed to be lining herself up to step into her husband’s shoes upon his death. Mrs Mugabe is known for her lavish spending on luxury items, making her deeply unpopular with large swathes of Zimbabweans.

■ Who is Emmerson Mnangagwa? – He served as vice-president from 2014 to November this year, but was booted out in a bid to prevent him taking the presidency on Mugabe’s death. The 75-year-old has been part of Mugabe’s government since its inception in 1980.