Not long after officially entering into its second bout of hyperinflation in the past decade, Zimbabwe is now facing political turmoil. After military action last night to take over the state-run broadcasting service, it appears that President Robert Mugabe is in military custody at his home.
President Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980, had recently fired his deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as one of the country’s two vice presidents. It was widely expected that Grace Mugabe was to be appointed to that slot, as observers have long thought that she would eventually succeed her husband to the presidency.
Major General Sibusiso Moyo stated that the Zimbabwean military is merely targeting criminals around Mugabe and has pledged that order will be restored in the country. He also asked for other security forces to cooperate.
While the situation is still in flux and is being described as a correction rather than a coup, it appears that widespread dissatisfaction with Mugabe’s rule may result in his ouster. Zimbabwe’s neighbor, South Africa, is sending government officials to Harare to engage in talks with the military. The hope is that any conflict in Zimbabwe will be resolved peacefully and will not result in bloodshed or civil war.