What is happening in Zimbabwe? Robert Mugabe RESIGNS Timeline of how the coup unfolded
ZIMBABWE has been plunged into political chaos after the military seized power from elderly despot Robert Mugabe last week. After Mugabe resigned yesterday, here is a look at what is happening in Zimbabwe.
Robert Mugabe addresses Zimbabwe in televised speech
Robert Mugabe resigned today in order to avoid being impeached by his own party Zanu-PF after being overthrown and placed under house arrest a week ago.
The coup came soon after Mugabe sacked his Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa who had been engaged in a succession battle with his wife Grace Mugabe.
Mnangagwa is set to return from political exile to take power in Zimbabwe. Here is a timeline of what has happened over the past week.
Zimbabwe coup news: The military has seized power from Robert Mugabe
The night of Tuesday November 14
Armed forces moved into Harare overnight and took control of the state-run broadcaster ZBC. Gunfire and explosions were heard in the capital.
Wednesday November 15
The Zimbabwean army announced that 93-year-old Mugabe had been placed under house arrest and that it intends to detain all “criminals” surrounding him.
The military denies staging a military coup and described the takeover as a “bloodless transition”.
British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and other world leaders call for a peaceful and lawful resolution to the crisis in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe coup: Robert Mugabe has met with military officials
Thursday November 16
Mugabe refuses to resign during negotiations with the military. He is photographed smiling and shaking hands with General Constantine Chiwenga in the State House, Harare.
Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party returns to the African nation in order to pursue a post-Mugabe political settlement.
Friday November 17
To the surprise of the nation, Mugabe attended a graduation ceremony at the University of Zimbabwe - his first public appearance since the coup.
Negotiations between Mugabe and the military continue to flounder, despite a growing sense that Mugabe’s days as president are numbered.
Robert Mugabe attended a graduation ceremony at the University of Zimbabwe
Saturday November 18
Zimbabweans poured into the streets of Harare as part of mass protests calling for Mugabe to step down.
Sunday November 19
Mugabe stunned Zimbabweans by failing to resign during a bizarre address on national television.
Viewers watched in disbelief as the despot rambled on, hardly acknowledging the fact a coup had taken place.
Zimbabwe coup latest: Emmerson Mnangagwa is favourite to take over from Mugabe
Monday November 20
Mugabe missed a deadline to resign and members of his own party decided to start impeachment discussions.
A military official said they have Grace Mugabe in custody saying she was a "bad influence on Mugabe” while he was in power.
General Chiwenga made a statement on television saying Mugabe is working on “a definitive solution and roadmap for the country" even as he faces impeachment.
Tuesday November 21
Mugabe finally resigns. Mnangagwa, also known as The Crocodile, is set to take over as President of Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa said Mugabe has invited him back to Zimbabwe but he will not return the the country until his safety is guaranteed.
Mugabe called a cabinet meeting today but only a handful of MPs turn up. Impeachment proceedings also began.