KEY POINTS
- Military tanks in Harare have sparked fears of another coup.
- The ruling party faces internal rifts as calls for change grow.
- Government insists army movements are routine drills, easing no fears.
Residents in Harare were alarmed when more than 20 military tanks arrived in the Borrowdale neighborhood on Wednesday morning, fearing a recurrence of the 2017 coup that overthrew former President Robert Mugabe.
Military tanks in Harare raise fears of another coup
Growing rifts within the ruling ZANU-PF party coincide with the military deployment. Citing corruption and unsuccessful economic policies, a group of war veterans has been demanding the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Discontent within the ruling party is exacerbated by the nation’s ongoing economic difficulties, which include high unemployment rates and skyrocketing prices.
According to Newsday, government representatives swiftly allayed concerns of a coup despite growing conjecture, claiming that the military was only doing regular exercises.
Government dismisses speculation, says army drills are routine
The first to react was Ndavaningi Mangwana, Permanent Secretary for Information, who used social media to reassure people that there was “nothing to be concerned about.”
The government’s stance was reaffirmed by presidential spokesperson George Charamba, who wrote on X: “Help your Zimbabwe Defence Force, ZDF, as it goes through the routine of making sure all its battle systems are in top condition!!!” #ZDF, MAKING YOU SAFE AND PROTECTED.
But many locals are still dubious. Tanks arrived in Harare just days before Mugabe was ousted from office in 2017, preceding the 2017 coup, as some remember. Given the current tensions inside ZANU-PF, political observers contend that the timing of the military drills raises concerns about internal power struggles.
Residents continue to keep a watchful eye on developments, and security personnel remain on high alert as the nation awaits more clarification.
