Mugabe on his way out?
Discussion
Will this be anything more than a shake up in the gerontocracy/kleptocracy? Replace a 93 year old kleptocrat with a 75 year old kleptocrat? It would be good to see the army preside over a return to democracy, as has happened in other African states and in Turkey in the past, but I won't hold my breath.
Breadvan72 said:
Will this be anything more than a shake up in the gerontocracy/kleptocracy? Replace a 93 year old kleptocrat with a 75 year old kleptocrat? It would be good to see the army preside over a return to democracy, as has happened in other African states and in Turkey in the past, but I won't hold my breath.
I'm sure there's another kakistocrat waiting in the wings.The idea that the ironically named Grace was going to take over from Bob was always a bit far fetched. Having a direct connection to the freedom struggle is still the touchstone of perceived political credibility and respect in Zim amongst the zanu-pf mob.
Let's hope the next bunch of aging kleptocrats at least recognise that they need a functioning economy from which to steal.
I predict a purge of Grace and the yoof wing, grudging recognition from the outside world, some hot air about liberalisation and a bit of olive branch waving towards the West to be met with half-hearted enthusiasm, then a return to political business as usual with perhaps a slight economic improvement.
Let's hope the next bunch of aging kleptocrats at least recognise that they need a functioning economy from which to steal.
I predict a purge of Grace and the yoof wing, grudging recognition from the outside world, some hot air about liberalisation and a bit of olive branch waving towards the West to be met with half-hearted enthusiasm, then a return to political business as usual with perhaps a slight economic improvement.
The Crack Fox said:
BlackLabel said:
Bob's under house arrest...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41997982
I wonder how long before he "escapes" to another despot-friendly country?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41997982
I wonder how long before he "escapes" to another despot-friendly country?
Zimbabwe didn't care less through decades of extreme poverty, famine deaths, economic collapse and political assassination...
But within days of putting a woman in charge (Gucci Grace), there is a major military coup
Looking forward to the Guardian tying itself in knots on this one...
But within days of putting a woman in charge (Gucci Grace), there is a major military coup
Looking forward to the Guardian tying itself in knots on this one...
arguti said:
Breadvan72 said:
China gets to pick the next head dude, I gather.
This is so true, Mugabe has been central to China's presence in Africa in the relentless quest for natural resources.james_tigerwoods said:
Bob's under house arrest...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41997982
I wonder how long before he "escapes" to another despot-friendly country?
I believe that Grace has done a runner alreadyhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41997982
I wonder how long before he "escapes" to another despot-friendly country?
How does a military coup work? Do the army just march into the main man's house and say "you're not in charge any more, we are"?
Developing that, what's to stop Joe Masimba* wandering in and just saying "I need your clothes, your boots and your key to the front door"? In that scenario do the military then back the government?
* random selected from a list of Zim surnames
Developing that, what's to stop Joe Masimba* wandering in and just saying "I need your clothes, your boots and your key to the front door"? In that scenario do the military then back the government?
* random selected from a list of Zim surnames
In these countries, military power is power.
The military (or at least the people who tell the military what to do) decide they want to take power and yes, pretty much take it. Mugabe would have had his own guard but they would have been low in number and likely easily turned.
Once the military is in control, they set the rules, as long as the rest of the world honours their claim and doesn’t support the incumbent then off they go (but tbh it doesn’t really matter what the rest of the world thinks)
The military (or at least the people who tell the military what to do) decide they want to take power and yes, pretty much take it. Mugabe would have had his own guard but they would have been low in number and likely easily turned.
Once the military is in control, they set the rules, as long as the rest of the world honours their claim and doesn’t support the incumbent then off they go (but tbh it doesn’t really matter what the rest of the world thinks)
as pwr Butter face has said the army are the ones who decide who rules. The fact the african union do not support or recognise military change to rule but are ok with rigged elections and violence against the opposition is fine lol.
I wonder how any one in Zimbabwe could support a man who has destroyed the wealth of the country. the war for independence was 37 years ago an since then the country has just got worse yet Mugabe's support has remained. crazy world.
I wonder how any one in Zimbabwe could support a man who has destroyed the wealth of the country. the war for independence was 37 years ago an since then the country has just got worse yet Mugabe's support has remained. crazy world.
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