Zimbabwe: Massive anti-Mugabe rally in Harare November 18 /update 9

Event

Media sources reported that a massive rally against President Robert Mugabe was held on Saturday, November 18, in the capital city of Harare. Tens of thousands of people reportedly participated in the protest to demand that Mugabe resign from office. Many of the demonstrators gathered at the Zimbabwe Grounds in the Highfield area of the capital. As of 16:20 (local time) there have be no reported incidents of violence and the protest has remained peaceful.

The Zimbabwean military supported the mass protests, as well as other members of the Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party. At least eight out of ten regional ZANU-PF party branches voted for Mugabe to resign from the presidency and as party secretary on Friday, November 17. Several regional leaders also reportedly appeared on state media calling for Mugabe's resignation. As of November 18, it is unclear if Mugabe will resign. Political protests, a heightened security presence, and consequent transportation disruptions are, however, expected in the coming days, especially in Harare.

Context

Zimbabwe's military took control of state broadcaster ZBC in Harare early on November 15. A military spokesperson read a statement on live television noting that President Mugabe was safe, that his security was "guaranteed," and that the takeover was intended to "deal with those committing crimes" against the Zimbabwean people. The spokesperson added that the situation would normalize "once the mission is accomplished." The military has promised to keep the public safe, while advising individuals to limit movements and noting that "any provocation will be met with an appropriate response."

The events of the last few days transpired in an already tense political climate in Zimbabwe. On November 6, Mugabe fired Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa for allegedly plotting against the government; Mnangagwa was also expelled from the ruling ZANU-PF party, and shortly thereafter left the country. The action, widely seen as clearing the way for President Mugabe's wife, Grace Mugabe, to take over the position, added further friction within the already factionalizing ZANU-PF party. On November 13, General Chiwenga, a ZANU-PF member, criticized the purge of high-ranking ZANU-PF members who had fought in the country's war for independence in the 1960s and 1970s. Mnangagwa reportedly returned to Zimbabwe on Wednesday or Thursday; he is favored by the Zimbabwean military to assume the presidency.

Mugabe came to power after Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980 and, though 93 years old, has not named a successor nor indicated a clear plan for what would come after his departure. ZANU-PF again endorsed him as its candidate - despite serious health concerns - for the 2018 election. However, the party has become divided over who will eventually succeed him, leading to rising tensions. Domestic and international leaders have made explicit or implicit calls for Mugabe's resignation in recent months.

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.