Military moves in but says Mugabe is ‘safe’
ZIMBABWE’S army says President Robert Mugabe is safe, and he is not a target of military vehicles and soldiers amassing on the streets.
In an extraordinary statement, the army yesterday sought to reassure the country “this is not a military takeover”, and the army is targeting “criminals around [Mr Mugabe]”.
“As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy,” the army spokesman said, calling on churches to pray for the country.
Overnight, at least three explosions were heard in Zimbabwe’s capital and military vehicles were seen in the streets after the army commander had threatened to “step in” to calm political tensions over the 93-year-old Mr Mugabe’s possible successor.
The ruling party accused the commander of “treasonable conduct”.
It is the first time Zimbabwe has seen an open rift between the military and the world’s oldest head of state, who has ruled since independence from white minority rule in 1980.
It was not clear where Mr Mugabe and his 53-year-old wife, Grace, were early yesterday. “Their security is guaranteed,” the army statement said.
Mrs Mugabe is unpopular because of lavish spending as many struggle, and four people accused of booing her at a recent rally were arrested.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover,” the army statement said. “We are only targeting criminals around [Mugabe] who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country.”
Mr Mugabe last week fired Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and accused him of plotting to take power, including through witchcraft.
Mr Mnangagwa, who enjoyed the military’s backing and once was seen as a potential president, fled the country.
More than 100 senior officials allegedly supporting him have been listed for disciplinary measures by a faction associated with Mr Mugabe’s wife.
The first lady appeared to be positioned to replace Mr Mnangagwa as one of the country’s two vice presidents at a special conference of the ruling party next month, leading many in Zimbabwe to suspect that she could succeed her husband.