Uncertainty in Zimbabwe

President Mugabe at his presidential palace meeting with envoys from South Africa and the country's Defence Forces

Harare, Zimbabwe

On Wednesday 15 November the military in Zimbabwe seized control of the capital city's key sites such as the state's controlled broadcaster and placed Robert Mugabe, the country's president under house arrest. So how did the country arrive at this predicament that has caused political uncertainty?

On Monday the 6th November, President Mugabe abruptly fired his vice president Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa in a move, that critics and pundits agree, would position his wife to succeed him as president. The Vice President, who enjoys strong support from the military, was seen as Grace Mugabe's biggest rival in the succession battles. In explaining the president's decision to fire his vice president, the minister of information said that, "The vice president has consistently and persistently exhibited traits of disloyalty, disrespect, deceitfulness, and unreliability...It had become evident that his conduct in his discharge of his duties had become inconsistent with his official responsibilities.”

The Vice President's critics have accused him of plotting to take charge of key state institutions and forming parallel institutions within the ruling party, ZANU-PF. His nickname, "crocodile" is a testament to his policial longevity that traces back to the days of Zimbabwe's independence fight against white minority rule.

Vice President Mnangagwa, left, chatting with President Mugabe at a recent function

Grace Mugabe is a controversial figure who is aptly nicknamed, "Gucci Grace" because of her lavish lifestyle and extravagance. She is seen as an outsider

Grace Mugabe, Zimbabwe's First Lady

With the succession battles heating up it was only a matter of time before a conflict ensued and the military takeover was surprising to say the least.
The army has made a point of not mentioning the word "coup". Instead, the military spokesman issued a statement stating that the armed forces’ action as arising from the need “to pacify a degenerating political, social and economic situation in our country which if not addressed may result in a violent conflict.”

So what next for Zimbabwe? One scenario is would see Mugabe hand over power to a transitional government headed by former vice president Mnangagwa but also encompassing members of the opposition parties.
Scenario two is Robert Mugabe being adamant that he is not leaving his post, consolidates power and successfully pushes for Grace to be his successor.
We here at the briefing room wish the people of Zimbabwe a smooth transition of power with minimal violence and
reforms in the financial and agricultural sectors to help the country bounce back from its economic plight.