Zimbabwe: President Mugabe to remain in office November 19 /update 11

Event

On the evening of Sunday, November 19, President Robert Mugabe announced during a televised address that he will remain president despite calls for his resignation. The statement was made following discussions with the country's military leaders. Mugabe also claimed that the military's operations in recent days did not represent a threat to Zimbabwe's constitutional system or a direct threat to his authority. Mugabe encouraged all members of the ruling ZANU-PF party to work to resolve the party's internal differences in a peaceful manner. Mugabe also stated that he will preside over a ZANU-PF party congress in the coming weeks to address inter-party conflicts.

Political demonstrations, a heightened security presence, and consequent transportation disruptions are expected in the coming days, especially in Harare.

Context

The announcement comes hours after it was initially reported that Mugabe was expelled from the ruling ZANU-PF party. The party also called for Mugabe to resign by 12:00 local time on Monday, November 20, or face impeachment. Additionally, thousands of people called for Mugabe's resignation protests in Harare on Saturday, November 18.

Zimbabwe's military took control of state broadcaster ZBC in Harare early on November 15. A military spokesperson read a statement noted 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 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, had not named a successor or indicated a clear plan for what would come after his departure. ZANU-PF 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.