2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état

2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état. The 2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état was a coup d'état that occurred in Zimbabwe from 6 to 21 November 2017, led by Emmerson Mnangagwa, Constantino Chiwenga, and other high-ranking members of the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF). The coup was a result of a power struggle between Robert Mugabe and Emmerson Mnangagwa, with the former being backed by his wife, Grace Mugabe, and the G40 faction of the ZANU–PF, while the latter was supported by the Lacoste faction and the ZDF. The events of the coup were closely watched by neighboring countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana, as well as international organizations such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Background

The 2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état was preceded by a long-standing power struggle within the ZANU–PF, with Robert Mugabe at its center. Mugabe, who had been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1980, had been facing opposition from within his own party, particularly from the Lacoste faction, which was led by Emmerson Mnangagwa. The G40 faction, which was backed by Grace Mugabe, had been gaining influence within the party, and had been pushing for Mugabe to appoint a new vice-president. The situation was further complicated by the involvement of other key figures, including Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasukuwere, and Patrick Zhuwao, who were all aligned with the G40 faction. The power struggle was also influenced by external factors, including the role of China and Russia in Zimbabwe's foreign policy, as well as the country's membership in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union.

The Coup

The coup began on 6 November 2017, when Emmerson Mnangagwa was fired as vice-president by Robert Mugabe, who was acting on the advice of his wife, Grace Mugabe. This move was seen as an attempt to pave the way for Grace Mugabe to succeed her husband as president. However, the move backfired, as it prompted Emmerson Mnangagwa to flee the country and Constantino Chiwenga to launch a military intervention. On 14 November 2017, troops from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) took control of key locations in Harare, including the State House, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), and Harare International Airport. The ZDF also seized control of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and other key institutions. The coup was widely condemned by international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union, which called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) took a more nuanced approach, calling for a peaceful resolution while also acknowledging the role of the ZDF in maintaining stability in the country.

Aftermath

In the aftermath of the coup, Robert Mugabe was placed under house arrest, and Emmerson Mnangagwa returned to the country to take control of the ZANU–PF. On 21 November 2017, Robert Mugabe resigned as president, and Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as his successor. The new government was composed of members of the Lacoste faction, as well as some members of the G40 faction who had defected to the Lacoste side. The coup also led to the arrest and detention of several high-ranking members of the G40 faction, including Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasukuwere, and Patrick Zhuwao. The events of the coup were widely covered by international media, including the BBC, Al Jazeera, and CNN, which provided extensive coverage of the crisis. The coup also had significant implications for Zimbabwe's relations with other countries, including China, Russia, and South Africa, which had all been closely watching the events unfolding in the country.

Reactions

The 2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état was widely condemned by international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union. However, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) took a more nuanced approach, calling for a peaceful resolution while also acknowledging the role of the ZDF in maintaining stability in the country. The coup was also widely covered by international media, including the BBC, Al Jazeera, and CNN, which provided extensive coverage of the crisis. The reaction of neighboring countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana, was also significant, with all three countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The United States and the United Kingdom also issued statements calling for a peaceful resolution, while China and Russia took a more neutral stance, calling for stability and calm in the country.

Impact

The 2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état had significant implications for Zimbabwe's politics, economy, and society. The coup marked the end of Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule, and paved the way for a new era of politics in the country. The coup also had significant implications for Zimbabwe's relations with other countries, including China, Russia, and South Africa. The coup also led to a significant improvement in Zimbabwe's economy, with the country experiencing a period of rapid growth and development. However, the coup also had significant challenges, including the need to address the country's significant debt burden, as well as the need to reform the country's institutions and promote good governance. The coup also had significant implications for the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which had both been closely watching the events unfolding in Zimbabwe. The African Union's response to the coup was widely criticized, with many arguing that the organization had failed to take a strong enough stance against the coup. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) also faced criticism, with many arguing that the organization had failed to take adequate measures to prevent the coup. Category:Zimbabwe