93 years old, 37 years in power until this morning, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has told South Africa’s leader, Mr. Jacob Zuma that he is well. He is still under house arrest by soldiers.
Negotiations are on for a transition government to be headed by estranged Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, sacked November 6, to pave way for Mugabe’s wife, Grace, to take over from her husband in elections.
But martial music, on since morning on State broadcast station when soldiers shoved aside Mugabe in a “coup”, has come to an end for now, just as world leaders, including Muhammadu Buhari have called for respect for the constitution.
Not much has been heard about Mugabe’s wife, Grace, who is said to be out of the country in Namibia.
President Buhari called for calm, peace and respect for the constitution in Zimbabwe, a statement from his office said.
The President urged all political and military stakeholders in Zimbabwe to avoid any action that may plunge the country into unnecessary conflict and impact negatively on the region.
According to President Buhari, “every attempt must be made to resolve all contentious issues by constitutional means in Zimbabwe to save the country from avoidable political instability.”
The appeal by the Nigerian leader came in the wake of reported “military takeover” as a result of rising political tension in the southern African country sequel to President Robert Mugabe’s recent removal of former Vice-President, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This led to the threat by the head of the Armed Forces of Zimbabwe, General Constantino Chiwenga, that “the military will not hesitate to step in” when the issue had to do with protecting the “revolution.”
Zanu-PF, the ruling party torn apart since a group within began pushing for Mrs. Grace Mugabe to take over from her ailing husband, in a statement issued Wednesday morning, said: “Zimbabwe has not had a coup. There has been a decision to intervene because our constitution had been undermined.
“In the interim, Comrade E Mnagngawa will be President of ZANU PF as per the constitution of our revolutionary organisation.
“ZANU PF has a way of solving our own problems, the situation is stable and Zimbabwe is open for business. There was no coup, but a bloodless peaceful transition- the centre is strong and there is peace with honest leadership.
“There was no coup, only a bloodless transition which saw corrupt and crooked persons being arrested and an elderly man who had been taken advantage of by his wife being detained.
“The few bangs that were heard were from crooks who were resisting arrest, but they are now detained.
“Last night, the first family was detained and are safe, both for the constitution and the sanity of the nation, this was necessary. Neither Zimbabwe nor ZANU are owned by Mugabe and his wife.
“Today begins a fresh new era and comrade Mnangagwa will help us achieve a better Zimbabwe.
“Please note and be warned. Comrade Mnangagwa has not got a twitter account we know of one in his name. It is not him. It’s a supporter or a fake account- but not him