2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état facts for kids
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On the evening of November 14, 2017, the army in Zimbabwe moved into the capital city, Harare. They took control of the national television station and other important places.
The next day, the army said they were not taking over the government. They stated that President Robert Mugabe was safe. They explained they were dealing with people around Mugabe who were causing problems for the country. Jacob Zuma, the President of South Africa, spoke with Mugabe. He confirmed Mugabe was safe but could not leave his home. This is called house arrest.
This event happened because of disagreements within the ruling ZANU–PF political party. There was a struggle over who would become the next leader after President Mugabe. The main people involved were Emmerson Mnangagwa, who used to be the Vice President, and Grace Mugabe, the First Lady. The army supported Mnangagwa. Grace Mugabe was supported by a younger group within the party.
A week before the army moved in, Mnangagwa had been removed from his job and had to leave the country. The army chief, Constantino Chiwenga, then said that stopping important ZANU-PF officials like Mnangagwa from working had to end. On November 21, 2017, President Mugabe officially stepped down. Emmerson Mnangagwa then became the new President of Zimbabwe on November 24, 2017.
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What Happened in Zimbabwe?
On November 14, 2017, the army in Zimbabwe took control of the capital city, Harare. They moved into key areas and took over the national television station. This action was a big surprise to many people.
The army said they were not performing a coup d'état. A coup d'état is when a group, often the military, suddenly takes power from the government. The army stated their goal was to remove "criminals" around President Mugabe. They said these people were causing economic problems for Zimbabwe.
Why Did the Army Act?
The army's actions were linked to a power struggle within the ZANU–PF party. This party had been in power for a long time. The main disagreement was about who would become the next leader of Zimbabwe. President Mugabe was very old, and people wondered who would take his place.
Two main people were competing for power. One was Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was the Vice President. The other was Grace Mugabe, the President's wife and the First Lady. The army supported Mnangagwa. Grace Mugabe had the support of a group called G40, which included younger members of the party.
Key Events Leading Up to Mugabe's Resignation
In October 2017, Grace Mugabe had warned that a coup might happen. This showed how tense the political situation was.
Just before the army moved, Emmerson Mnangagwa was fired from his job as Vice President. He then had to leave Zimbabwe. Soon after, the army chief, Constantino Chiwenga, made a public statement. He said that the removal of senior ZANU-PF officials, like Mnangagwa, needed to stop. This statement was a clear sign that the army was getting involved in the political issues.
Mugabe Steps Down
After the army took control and made their statements, President Robert Mugabe faced a lot of pressure. On November 21, 2017, he officially resigned from his position as President. This ended his long time in power.
Three days later, on November 24, 2017, Emmerson Mnangagwa became the new President of Zimbabwe. This marked a big change for the country and its leadership.
Images for kids
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Robert Mugabe and Grace Mugabe in 2013
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On 19 November, Emmerson Mnangagwa replaced Mugabe as the leader of ZANU–PF.
See also
In Spanish: Golpe de Estado en Zimbabue de 2017 para niños
