The Denver Post

Mugabe under house arrest after military takes control of the capital

- By Problem Masau and Kate Bartlett

HARARE, ZIMBABWE» President Robert Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe for nearly four decades, was under house arrest after the military took control, plunging the country into political turmoil.

In what appeared to be a coup, the military took control of Mugabe’s offices, parliament, the airport and the state broadcaste­r in the early hours of Wednesday.

“Robert Mugabe and his family’s safety is guaranteed,” a military spokesman said, stating that the army was only “targeting criminals” in the administra­tion.

Mugabe was “confined to his home” but “fine,” South African President Jacob Zuma said after speaking on the telephone to the 93-year-old who has ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist for 37 years.

Zuma urged Zimbabwe’s military not to make “unconstitu­tional changes of government” and asked that the military and government “resolve the political impasse amicably,” while calling for “calm and restraint.”

On Wednesday evening, Harare’s residents were seemingly going about their daily business despite the uncertaint­y — and the presence of soldiers on the airport road.

One veteran Zimbabwe journalist said he had even sensed some jubilation, recounting how youth at a bus stop had given the thumbs up to a passing army convoy.

In its coverage Wednesday night, state broadcaste­r ZBC was granting more airtime to sports and a report on World Diabetes Day — there was little about the political upheaval, apart from the military line that Mugabe was fine.

Many Zimbabwean­s have long wanted to see the back of Mugabe, who has been accused of election-rigging, numerous human rights abuses and running the country’s once-vibrant economy into the ground.

However, until recent events it looked likely the former liberation hero would die in office, with his politicall­y ambitious wife, Grace Mugabe, waiting in the wings to continue the Mugabe dynasty.

Grace Mugabe — jokingly referred to among Zimbabwean­s as “Disgrace” for her penchant for high-end shopping and volatile behavior — has proved highly divisive in her husband’s now faction-ridden ZanuPF party.

Zimbabwe’s unraveling began last week when Mugabe fired his longtime deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa, who many in the party had seen as his most suitable successor.

Mnangagwa, nicknamed “The Crocodile,” is considered a ruthless political operator and has been locked for months in a vicious power struggle with the first lady.

Elections are due to be held next year.

 ?? Associated Press file ?? President Robert Mugabe and wife Grace chant a party slogan early this month during a rally in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. The military has taken the two into custody.
Associated Press file President Robert Mugabe and wife Grace chant a party slogan early this month during a rally in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. The military has taken the two into custody.

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