Bloodless Coup in Zimbabwe

Why in news?

• The military in Zimbabwe launched a coup on November 15.
• The motive is claimed to target “criminals” surrounding long-time popular leader Robert Mugabe.

Who is Robert Mugabe?

• Mr.Robert Mugabe has been at the helm in Zimbabwe’s politics for 37 years, since its independence from British rule in 1980.
• At 93, Mr. Mugabe is the world’s oldest head of state and also the last of Africa's generation of state founders who still wield power.
• His lengthy rule has been marked by brutal repression of dissent, mass emigration, vote-rigging and economic collapse.
• Despite this, he is popularity among the masses is relatively high and has seen him in wield near total control.
• His poor health has fuelled a bitter succession battle as potential replacements jockey for position.

What triggered the current stand-off?

• Recently, Mr. Mugabe sacked long-time ally and Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
• Notably, he was widely expected to succeed the Mr.Mugabe and take control of the ruling ZANU-PF party.
• This move was seen as an attempt to install his Mr.Mugabe’s wife Grace (52) for succeeding to the helm.
• Mr. Mnangagwa fled the country after his dismissal and many long term regime loyalists are said to have sided with him.
• Days later, the Army warned Mr. Mugabe to exhibit restrain in a serious of political purges, which wasn’t heeded to.

What is the state of the Zimbabwean economy?  

• Mr.Mugabe’s populist land reforms of 2000 saw black Africans seizing large tracts of agricultural land from the European settlers.
• These moves led to a production collapse in agriculture and eventually plunged the country into an economic crisis.
• Millions of economic refugees have streamed out of the country, mostly to neighbouring South Africa.
• Eventually in 2007-08, the country saw hyper-inflation that forced the abandonment of the local currency and a switch to dollars.
• In 2016, fears of economic downtown reappeared with inflation rating at around 50% for a month.
• Notably, the sacked vice-president Mr.Mnangagwa is said to have been planning to revitalise the economy through radical measures.
• He is even said to have vouched for rectifying the mistakes of the radical land reforms and patching up relations with the World Bank and IMF.

Is it an actual military coup?

• Though the action is in effect a bloodless coup, the Zimbabwean military chose to call it a bloodless political correction.
• Considering Mr.Mugabe’s popularity with the masses, it is also not clear whether this military action would end to his reign.
• The main goal of the generals appears to be ‘preventing Mugabe's 52-year-old wife Grace’ from succeeding him.
• But irrespective of the outcome, it is likely to mark the end of the total dominance of the country by Mugabe.
• Notably, even the main opposition MDC party calling for civilian rule to be protected.

What next?

• Various countries have asked its nationals in Zimbabwe to stay cautious due to the prevalent uncertainty. 
• Mr.Mnangagwa’s promised return would be a major event.
• The actions of the ZANU-PF’s party youth wing, which is aligned to Ms.Grace is also being closely watched.
• The army has promised to retreat as soon as its stated vision has been accomplished.
• Further actions of the military would decide the direction the current turmoil would take.

Source: The Hindu, Business line