Connect with us

News & Politics

BREAKING: Zimbabwe’s military takes over country, says President Mugabe is ‘safe’

Published

8 years ago

on

General Constantino Chiwenga

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s military took control of the country early Wednesday and detained its longtime leader, President Robert Mugabe, capping a political showdown over Mugabe’s apparent attempts to install his wife as his successor.

In a televised announcement after tanks and troops rolled into the capital, Harare, a general insisted that it was “not a military takeover.”

Despite the assurances, the events bore all the hallmarks of a coup, with military vehicles stationed around the city, the army taking over the television station and a uniformed general issuing a statement warning that “criminals” in Mugabe’s regime were being targeted.

Army Gen. Constantino Chiwenga made the move as a struggle over who will succeed the country’s increasingly frail 93-year-old leader came to a head. Mugabe has ruled since he led the country to independence from white minority rule in 1980.

Mugabe is one of the oldest and longest-ruling leaders to come out of Africa’s struggle against co­lo­ni­al­ism and the emergence of new nations across the continent. His rule, however, has also become increasingly erratic, and he is blamed by many for devastating the once-prosperous country.

“We wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover,” said the statement read by Maj. Gen. Sibusiso Moyo. “We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country.”

The fate of Mugabe and his wife, 52-year-old Grace Mugabe, who increasingly looked set to succeed him, was unclear, but they appeared to be in military custody.

“Mugabe and his family are safe and sound, and their security is guaranteed,” said Moyo. A tank blocked the road in front of Mugabe’s offices Wednesday as a large number of soldiers milled around.

South African President Jacob Zuma, who is sending high-level envoys to Harare, said he spoke to Mugabe and that he is “fine” — albeit confined to his home.

World leaders said they were monitoring the situation, with British Prime Minister Theresa May calling it “fluid.” Her foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, added that “nobody wants simply to see the transition from one unelected tyrant to a next.” Zimbabwe is a former British colony.

For decades, Mugabe boosted a reputation as an unwavering critic of many Western policies and international institutions. His supporters further hailed him for moves such as dismantling white-owned estates and other holdings.

Yet he also was reviled as a despot who brutally crushed dissent and allowed the once-envied country to sink into a cycle of deepening poverty and stratospheric inflation.

Overnight, witnesses reported tanks and soldiers moving around the city along with sounds of gunfire and explosions. By morning, soldiers in armored vehicles controlled major intersections near government buildings.

On the streets of Harare, the news of the military takeover appeared to be greeted with cautious optimism after years of increasingly unsteady rule by Mugabe.

“We are happy that we are going to have another leader,” said a man in Harare’s Chitungwiza neighborhood who gave his name as Yemurai. “Even if it’s going to be another dictator, we accept a new one. Look, we are jobless, hungry and poverty stricken. All we want is something different.” Like most people interviewed, he declined to be identified by his full name.

“This is a disaster,” said Baxon, from the Glen View area. “Solving one problem by creating another. We don’t want another war, but it seems we are headed that way. We have heard there are people in the army not in agreement with what Chiwenga did.”

Victor Matemadanda, secretary general of the powerful War Veterans Association, thanked Chiwenga for intervening and said Mugabe should be dismissed.

“We will be recalling President Robert Mugabe as the first secretary of the party and the head of state for the crimes he has committed,” he said in a fiery news conference.

In Harare’s central business district, local residents said all seemed normal, as itinerant vendors took advantage of the many closed businesses to sell their wares at intersections.

“Army steps in”, said the headline in Harare’s Chronicle newspaper. Underneath was a separate story suggesting a muted reaction on the streets: “Business as usual around Zimbabwe.”

Police and plainclothes agents normally stationed around the parliament building could be seen sitting on the ground, apparently under watch by armed soldiers. Local media reported that several members of the ZANU-PF ruling party have been detained by the military, including cabinet ministers.

Political analyst Mike Mavura said it was important for the military to say this was not a coup for reasons of international legitimacy.

“We are not in the 1960s and 1970s anymore, when coups in Africa were left, right and center — I think they are trying very hard to appear progressive,” he told The Washington Post. “However, of interest to democracy, the elections scheduled for next year, will they take place?”

Zimbabwe’s political crisis reached a boiling point last week with the dismissal of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, clearing the way for Mugabe’s wife, also a vice president, to succeed him.

Mugabe told supporters he had dismissed Mnangagwa for disloyalty and disrespect, as well as using witchcraft to take power.

The move exacerbated divisions in the ZANU-PF party, where the youth faction is firmly on Grace Mugabe’s side, while the older veterans of the struggle against white rule look to Mnangagwa.

At one point last month, Grace Mugabe even warned that supporters of Mnangagwa were planning their own coup.

Mnangagwa, who fled to neighboring South Africa, has strong support with the military, and Chiwenga, the army chief, threatened Monday to “step in” to stop the purge of Mnangagwa’s supporters. The military was once a key pillar of Mugabe’s rule.

The party’s website later reported that Mnangagwa was back in the country and would be taking over leadership of the party.

Political commentator Maxwell Saungweme said by phone that the military will probably try to pressure Mugabe to step down in favor of Mnangagwa as acting president.

“But this plan may not pan out as Mugabe might resist this. So the whole thing may be messy,” he warned.

Zimbabwe was once a wealthy breadbasket for the whole region, but its economy and especially the prosperous agriculture sector has suffered in recent years. The currency has collapsed, and at one point the country was experiencing devastating hyperinflation with denominations of the Zimbabwe dollar counted in the trillions.

Critics have blamed Mugabe’s rule for the economic decline, and the aging leader was seen as being increasingly under the influence of his wife, who was also known as “Gucci Grace” for the rumored extravagance of her foreign shopping trips.

In recent weeks, there have been signs of an increased sensitivity to criticism. Four people were detained for booing Grace Mugabe at a rally, and an American woman was arrested for allegedly tweeting insulting comments about Mugabe.

Grace Mugabe was also sought by South African authorities in August after a local model accused her of assault and battery.

Schemm reported from Addis Ababa, Ethi­o­pia. Brian Murphy in Washington contributed to this report.

Source: Washingtonpost

Post Views: 445
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Global Affairs

Iranian Missile Strikes Soroka Hospital: Assessing June 19 Attack & Broader Devastation–Tracking Times

Soroka Medical Center—responsible for over 1 million residents—activated emergency protocols: evacuating major wards, diverting patients to underground shelters and limiting admissions. Though physical casualties were few, the psychological toll across patients and staff is considerable.

Published

7 hours ago

on

June 19, 2025

By

Iranian Missile Strikes Soroka Hospital: Assessing June 19 Attack & Broader Devastation–Tracking Times

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, an Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva southern Israel. It also hit Ramat Gan with extreme devastating losses.

The direct hit inflicted extensive damage—blown-out windows, collapsed ceilings—while hospital staff evacuated patients safely. No fatalities were reported, though 40–65 people suffered injuries across southern and central Israel. Additional impacts hit residential towers in Ramat Gan, Holon, and Tel Aviv. (timesofisrael.com)

The images below show collapsed sections, debris fields, and stunned rescue teams.

2. Impact on Medical Services & Patients

Soroka Medical Center—responsible for over 1 million residents—activated emergency protocols: evacuating major wards, diverting patients to underground shelters and limiting admissions. (1news.co.nz) Though physical casualties were few, the psychological toll across patients and staff is considerable.

A volunteer recounted:

“Everything fell apart. Glass, ceilings – everything fell.” (timesofisrael.com)

Nearby towns also reported shattered windows and structural damage. The widespread fear has triggered mental health alerts and community trauma interventions.

Also Read: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times

3. Broader Missile Assault 19–20 June (200 words)

The Guardian and AP News had reported that the hospital hit is part of a wider Iranian missile onslaught. On June 18–19, Iran launched over 30 ballistic missiles, striking Be’er Sheva, Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon. (theguardian.com) Casualties included 40–65 wounded, including at least 6 seriously injured, with reports of war-crime allegations from Israeli authorities.

Also stated that the Israeli Military and residential targets were affected alongside civilian infrastructure. Israel responded with intensified airstrikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor and strategic sites. (apnews.com)

4. International Reactions & Analysis

  • Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu firmly denounced the hospital attack as a “war crime” and pledged severe retaliation on Iran.
  • Israeli Health Minister, Uriel Buso labeled it “terror attack” and crossing “red lines.”
  • Iran’s government asserts it targeted military-related sites, urging Israel not to act surprised.
  • Experts: International Crisis Group’s Ali Vaez warns this marks a dangerous turning point that tests Israel’s air-defense thresholds and risks deeper regional conflict escalation.

Global leaders including the U.S., EU, China, and Russia are calling for de-escalation amid warnings of broader consequences. (theguardian.com)

5. Consequences & Risk Factors

  • Medical infrastructure under pressure: Continued attacks risk crippling health services and expose vulnerable civilians.
  • Escalation risk: Retaliatory cycles may pull in Iran-backed proxies (Hezbollah, Houthis).
  • Humanitarian strain: Trauma from hospital strikes leads to population displacement and mental health crisis.
  • Economic fallout: Markets react sharply; Israeli insurers, medical supplies, and rebuilding faces strain.
  • Legal implications: If civilian hospitals are repeatedly targeted, Israel or Iran could face international legal scrutiny.

6. Defense & Humanitarian Recommendations (150 words)

  1. Enhance Civil Defense: Rapid upgrades to hospital bunkers, emergency drills, and medical staff PTSD training.
  2. Diplomatic Pressure: Immediate UN Security Council intervention to demand respect for medical neutrality.
  3. Early-Warning Integration: Coordinate air-defense notifications directly with hospitals and city shelters.
  4. Aid Corridors: International NGOs partner with Israeli agencies for supplies, counseling, and medical evacuation planning.
  5. Media Transparency: Accurate reporting and documented damage log to support legal accountability and aid calls.

Conclusion

The missile strike on Soroka Hospital starkly illustrates the human cost of this conflict. Immediate defensive, diplomatic, and humanitarian responses are vital—not just to save lives but to deter further escalation. We must act urgently before retaliation spirals into regional war.

Post Views: 135
Continue Reading

Global Affairs

Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times

That statement followed Supreme Leader Khamenei’s own warning that “the battle begins”—signaling Iranian resolve to respond decisively.

Published

20 hours ago

on

June 18, 2025

By

Iran’s ‘Great Surprise Tonight’: Implications, Risks & Strategies to Avert War — Tracking Times

Iranian state media had issue a warning of “a great surprise will occur—one that the world will remember for centuries.”

Though the exact wording varies slightly by translation. In fact, multiple outlets report that during a live Tehran broadcast, a state television anchor cautioned:

“Tonight, a great surprise will occur—one that the world will remember for centuries.”

According to The Print and unionesarda, “This ominous statement wasn’t aimed at local viewers. It was meant for an international audience, setting a deliberate tone of imminent, dramatic escalation” (theprint.in, unionesarda.it)

1. Context & What Was Said

During live state TV coverage of Israeli strikes, an anchorman declared:

“Tonight, a great surprise will occur, one that the world will remember for centuries.”

That statement followed Supreme Leader Khamenei’s own warning that “the battle begins”—signaling Iranian resolve to respond decisively (nypost.com).

Read Also: Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

2. What Could the “Surprise” Be?

a. Large-Scale Missile Strike
Given past patterns, Iran could launch an unprecedented barrage of ballistic missiles and drones targeting deep into Israel or U.S. bases in the region.

b. Innovative Weapons Unveiled
New IRGC stealth drones will debut. Hypersonic missiles or electronic warfare systems could also be introduced. These innovations might strike both military targets and critical infrastructure.

c. Proxy Network Activation
Iran-backed groups—Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, Houthis—might start simultaneous attacks across multiple fronts (Lebanon, Gaza, Red Sea).

d. Cyber or Space Operations
Potentially disruptive digital attacks on Israel’s infrastructure or satellite interference—amplifying effects beyond conventional warfare.

3. Immediate Impacts & Risks

  • Civilian Casualties: Higher death tolls, mass evacuations, infrastructure damage.
  • Oil Supply Threats: Attacks on tankers or Strait of Hormuz closure could spike global oil prices.
  • Regional Expansion: Spillover violence increases chance of a broader Middle East war.
  • Global Economic Panic: Markets dip, safe-haven buying surges, flight cancellations from region.
  • Media & Propaganda Blitz: State outlets on both sides will escalate rhetoric, complicating diplomacy.

4. Strategies to Avert Disaster

  1. Immediate Diplomatic De-escalation: Third-party nations (EU, Turkey, GCC) must urgently broker an Iran–Israel communications channel.
  2. UN Security Council Pressure: Immediate resolution calling for pause and reducing aerial incursions.
  3. Establish Crisis Hotline: A direct military-to-military “red phone” between Tehran and Jerusalem to avoid miscalculations.
  4. Proxy Restraint Coordination: U.S. and European sanctions could target non-state actors to limit escalation via militias.
  5. Global Humanitarian Planning: Neighboring countries should prepare refugee shelters, medical assistance, and aid corridors.

5. Long-Term Consequences If Ignored

  • Potential Widespread Conflict: Major powers drawn into localized theaters leads to proxy or direct war.
  • Economic Shockwaves: Energy prices surge, supply chains disrupted, trend toward global recession.
  • Humanitarian Toll: Millions displaced, with little stable response capacity due to simultaneous crises.
  • Global Realignments: Countries may strategically reorient to China, Russia, or alternative trading blocs.

6. Recommended Path Forward

StrategyPurpose
Diplomatic MediationLower tensions before military triggers
Third-Party Escalation TalkReduce risks of blowback from attacks
Public TransparencyMaintain civilian trust and compliance
Technological CautionShare intel on drone/missile tests
Humanitarian & Refugee PrepEnsure readiness for civilian fallout

️Final Take

Iran’s “great surprise tonight” warning is grim—but not inevitable. With thoughtful global diplomacy, military restraint, and coordinated crisis-response, escalation can be prevented.

Post Views: 167
Continue Reading

Global Affairs

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights

The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls. Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 17, 2025

By

Iran–Israel War Escalates in today’s Attacks

Latest Developments

  • Israel’s Operation Rising Lion launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), key IRGC commanders, and missile infrastructure—including in Tehran—claiming “total air superiority” (theguardian.com).
  • Iran retaliated with over 300 missiles and drones, landing in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other regions (apnews.com).

Current Casualties & Damage

  • Iran: Health Ministry reports 224 killed, ~1,277 injured; independent sources suggest up to 400+ deaths, many civilians, with extensive damage to city infrastructures—water, power, hospitals (theguardian.com).
  • Israel: Official sources confirm 24 civilian deaths, ~60–500 injured from Iranian strikes (apnews.com).

Official Statements

President Donald Trump

  • Urged all Tehran residents to vacate right away; left G7 early to address crisis (reuters.com).
  • Pushed for a “real deal” nuclear agreement with Iran, denying ceasefire claims (reuters.com).

Israeli Government (PM & IDF)

  • PM Netanyahu stated the operation will persist “as many days as needed to neutralize the threat”—emphasizing hits on nuclear/scientific and missile facilities (understandingwar.org).
  • The military claims destruction of 120 missile launchers (~1/3 of Iran’s stockpile) and “total air superiority” over Tehran (theguardian.com).

Iranian Response

Humanitarian Impact & Civilian Exodus

  • Over 100,000 Tehran residents have fled northwards to Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz provinces (en.wikipedia.org).
  • Reports of fuel shortages, hospital strain, internet blackouts, and psychological distress are emerging (en.wikipedia.org).

🔮 What’s Next?

  1. Further military escalation — Iran may strike U.S. or allies if intervention continues (understandingwar.org).
  2. Nuclear diplomacy in limbo — Iran paused talks pending Israeli ceasefire; Trump supports negotiation .
  3. Broader regional ripple effects — Proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, could escalate (en.wikipedia.org).
  4. Global economic disruptions — Oil prices spiked after Tehran warnings; airlines diverted flights (en.wikipedia.org).

Biblical Perspective

  • Operation Rising Lion invokes Isaiah 31:4 (“As a lion… roars!”), reinforcing Israel’s belief in its God-given resolve (newarab.com).
  • Some Christian prophecy scholars see this as part of eschatological build-up (Ezekiel 38, Isaiah 17)—though cautioned by others to avoid hasty conclusions (forums.crosswalk.com).
  • Biblical themes abound: calls for justice, divine defense, and the lament over cities under siege echo Psalms and prophets (e.g., Lamentations 2:1; Joel 3:2). Prayer for peace and wisdom is urged.

Key Takeaways

  • The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls.
  • Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.
  • Expect continued conflict, potential negotiations, and regional escalation.
  • Many believers are interpreting the events through biblical lenses—prayers for peace are critical.
Post Views: 287
Continue Reading

Trending