Zimbabwe: War veterans call for anti-Mugabe protests Nov. 22 /update 12

Event

On Monday, November 20, the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association called for President Robert Mugabe to immediately resign from office, and called for mass anti-Mugabe protests to take place in Harare on Wednesday, November 22. The veterans' call for protests comes amid continued uncertainty regarding Mugabe's political future: on the evening of Sunday, November 19, Mugabe announced that he would remain president following discussions with the country's military leaders, encouraging all members of the ruling ZANU-PF party to work to resolve the party's internal differences in a peaceful manner. However, on Monday, the ZANU-PF announced it was summoning members of parliament to discuss starting the process of impeachment. There were also unconfirmed reports on Monday that Mugabe has drafted his letter of resignation after negotiating a deal with the military generals.

Though Zimbabwean soldiers remain stationed at several key sites throughout Harare, commercial establishments in the capital and at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) are reportedly operating normally, and the environment is calm.

A heightened security presence, and consequent transportation disruptions are expected, especially in Harare.

Context

On November 19, President Robert Mugabe announced during a televised address that he would remain president despite calls for his resignation. Mugabe also claimed that the military's operations in recent days do not represent a threat to Zimbabwe's constitutional system or a direct threat to his authority. Previously, on November 15, Zimbabwe's military took control of state broadcaster ZBC, where a military spokesperson read a statement noting that the takeover was intended to "deal with those committing crimes" against the Zimbabwean people. The military promised to keep the public safe, while advising individuals to limit movements, and noting that "any provocation will be met with an appropriate response."

These events transpired in an already tense political climate in Zimbabwe. On November 6, Mugabe fired Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa; an action widely seen as clearing the way for President Mugabe's wife, Grace Mugabe, to take over the position. Mnangagwa reportedly returned to Zimbabwe on November 15 or 16, and is believed to be favored by the Zimbabwean military to assume the presidency. The 93-year-old President Mugabe, who came to power after Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, had not named a successor before firing Mnangagwa. The ruling ZANU-PF party had endorsed him as its candidate - despite serious health concerns - for the 2018 election. However, the party was divided over who will eventually succeed him.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare, are advised to closely monitor the situation and avoid large public gatherings and unnecessary movements until the situation has stabilized. If outside travel is necessary, individuals should anticipate delays at military checkpoints and should cooperate with any requests made by officials.