Sacked Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa joined a chorus of military leaders and politicians on Tuesday who have urged Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to resign.
“The people of Zimbabwe have spoken with one voice and it is my appeal to President Mugabe that he should take heed of this clarion call by the people of Zimbabwe to resign, so that the country can move forward and preserve his legacy,” Mnangagwa said in a statement.
Mnangagwa, who is not currently in Zimbabwe, said he fled the country because his life was threatened after being purged from the ruling ZANU-PF party. He confirmed that Mugabe invited him to return “for a discussion,” but that he would not do so unless his safety is guaranteed.
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Ex-VP Mnangagwa, known as ‘The Crocodile’ for his ruthlessness, is backed by the army
“I told the President that I would not return home now until I am satisfied of my personal security, because of the manner and treatment given to me upon being fired,” Mnangagwa said.
He added that “given the events that followed my dismissal I cannot trust my life in President Mugabe’s hands.”
Mnangagwa’s firing led to last week’s military takeover, setting off a chain of events to oust 93-year-old Mugabe from office. He is supported by the army and the influential war veterans association, both of which were afraid Mugabe might hand over power to his wife Grace Mugabe.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mnangagwa, Grace Mugabe go head to head
The relationship between President Robert Mugabe’s wife, Grace Mugabe (R), and his former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa (L), has reportedly turned rough, according to Reuters. Early this month, Mnangagwa was dismissed from his position after being accused of “plotting a coup against the government.”
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Chiwenga’s warning
On November 13, 2017, General Constantino Chiwenga, commander of Zimbabwe’s Defense Force, warned that the army could “step in” to save the country from political tension and economic crisis.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Tanks in Harare
Military and armored vehicles were seen at the outskirts of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, on November 14, 2017. On the same day, the military also took over the state-run broadcaster ZBC.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mugabe safe in army hands
On November 15, 2017, Major General SB Moyo, the military spokesman, announced on the ZBC that Mugabe and his family were “safe and sound and their security was guaranteed.” He said the military was targeting “criminals around” Mugabe who were “committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering.”
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
A ‘smiling’ Mugabe meets Chiwenga
On November 16, 2017, General Constantino Chiwenga, along with other officials, was seen in military uniform meeting President Robert Mugabe (C) at the State House. It was reported that Mugabe was smiling as they both shook hands. However, the leaders of ZANU-PF announced that there was “no going back.”
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mugabe puts in a public appearance
After being placed under house arrest, Mugabe appeared publicly at a university graduation ceremony on November 17, 2017. Here, a military officer adjusts a chair for Mugabe, who is dressed in a blue-and-yellow academic gown, to sit on after arriving to preside over the ceremony. Mugabe, who was reportedly tired, was then caught falling asleep.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Zimbabweans call on Mugabe to go
On November 18, 2017, residents of the capital, Harare, held a protest with anti-Mugabe placards demanding the president’s resignation. Veterans of the independence war, activists and ruling party leaders called publicly for Mugabe to be forced from office.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mugabe ousted from ZANU-PF leadership
Zimbabwean War Veterans leader Chris Mutsvangwa (R) arrived at a meeting of the ruling ZANU-PF party in Harare November 19, 2017. After hours of deliberation, the party announced that it had decided to fire Mugabe as leader of the party.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mugabe does not step down
Many expected that after being recalled as ZANU-PF party leader, President Mugabe would use his address to the nation resign with dignity. Zimbabweans were left shocked after the rambling speech made no reference to him stepping down. Mugabe now faces impeachment, with proceedings believed to be starting on Tuesday.
Author: Merga Yonas
Impeachment to start
Mugabe’s once loyal ZANU-PF party is set to launch impeachment proceedings on Tuesday against the longtime leader who is still clinging to power after 37 years in office.
“The party has instructed the chief whip to proceed with impeachment processes,” ZANU-PF said in a statement, with the motion to be presented before parliament early Tuesday afternoon.
Mugabe’s government ministers have also been instructed by the party to boycott a Cabinet meeting called by the president.
A ZANU-PF’s chief whip Lovemore Matuke told the Associated Press that the ministers were told to attend a meeting to prepare impeachment proceedings instead.
On Sunday, Mugabe did not step down during a televised address and passed a deadline on Monday to resign.
rs/rt (AP, AFP, Reuters)
