Zimbabwe: Military claims control on November 15; shelter in place /update 3

Event

Zimbabwe's military took control of state broadcaster ZBC in Harare early on Wednesday, November 15. A military spokesperson read a statement on live television noting that President Robert Mugabe was safe and that his security was "guaranteed". The military takeover is reportedly intended to "deal with those committing crimes" against the Zimbabwean people; the spokesperson added that the situation will normalize "once the mission is accomplished". Gunfire and blasts were heard in the vicinity of Mugabe's residence earlier in the morning. The military has reportedly committed to keeping the public safe; however, it has also advised individuals to limit movement and noted that "any provocation will be met with an appropriate response."

The US and UK embassies have advised their citizens to shelter in place until the situation stabilizes.

Context

On Tuesday, soldiers and armored vehicles were reportedly deployed in Harare and on major roads into the city, leading to speculation of a possible coup d'etat. However, relative calm seemed to return later in the day, and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party issued a statement criticizing military chief General Constantino Chiwenga for making remarks that were "calculated to disturb national peace and stability." The statement also said that Chiwenga's remarks "suggested treasonable conduct on his part," and emphasized that the ZANU-PF government would not succumb to challenges or threats from the military.

On November 6, a political crisis began when President Mugabe fired Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa for allegedly plotting against the government. Mnangagwa was also expelled from the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party. The firing of Mnangagwa created tension between President Mugabe and other high-ranking ZANU-PF members. On Monday, 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.

Mugabe came to power after Zimbabwe's independence in 1980 and, although now 93, has yet to name a successor. Despite serious health concerns, ZANU-PF again endorsed him as its candidate for the 2018 election. However, the party has become divided over who will eventually succeed him, leading to rising political tensions.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare, are advised to closely monitor the situation and shelter in place until the situation has stabilized.