EDITORIAL: Democracy key for Zimbabwe
To find its way back from this, Zimbabwe will require a completely new start
There has been no opportunity for the jubilation many imagined would accompany the demise of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe in the whirlwind events of the past 36 hours. Instead there is an air of quiet anxiety. While the army says this is not a military coup, what else can it be, as state television has been commandeered, Mugabe is confined to his home and his closest associates have reportedly been arrested. However, the head of the army, Gen Constantino Chiwenga, has not seized power and has assured Zimbabweans and the world he is acting in the best interests of the country and the ruling Zanu-PF, which needs to be saved from the "criminals" who are circling. The "criminals" are the G40, a group that has crystallised around Grace Mugabe and wishes to see her succeed her husband. As Grace Mugabe’s ascension, which was becoming more assured by the day, would have been universally condemned (with the exception of this clique) there has been an odd sympathy for the army’s actions, which ar...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.