Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has turned up to a
university graduation ceremony in the capital, Harare, his first public
appearance since the military staged an apparent coup two days ago.
Reports by CNN say the veteran leader arrived at the Harare
Open University in a blue-and-yellow gown, accompanied by his security detail,
two days after being placed under house arrest in Wednesday’s military
takeover.
Speculation has swirled over whether a deal has been made to
shove the 93-year-old leader out of power, after 37 years of rule.
A statement from the Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) released
early Friday said that military leaders were “currently engaging” with Mugabe
and would advise the nation of the outcome as soon as possible.
The statement, which was read on state television, said the
ZDF had made “significant progress” in its operation to apprehend “criminals”
around Mugabe, the justification it used for its overnight military takeover
Wednesday.
Political maneuvering by the couple to position Grace as
Mugabe’s heir apparent is at the heart of the political tumult in the southern
African country. Last week Mugabe dismissed Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa,
a former ally, prompting Mnangagwa’s military allies to act.
Apparently, plans to take over the country by force have
been in place for some time – and that Mnangagwa was instrumental in those
plans according to reports.
“This takeover was planned a long time ago by Emmerson
Mnangagwa and secret discussions did take place with opposition about a
succession plan including forcing out Mugabe,” a senior opposition leader with
direct knowledge of the talks said.
“What you saw yesterday at State House was acting,” the
source said, referring to the images that were published of Mugabe speaking
with military chiefs.
The source said that Mnangagwa’s hand was forced, and the
plan was put into action, when Grace Mugabe appeared to become a front runner
in succeeding her husband.
