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Mnangagwa directing military negotiations with Mugabe?
17 Nov 2017 at 09:51hrs | Views
FORMER Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who left the country in a huff following his expulsion from the ruling party and government a fortnight ago, is as back in the country.
Affectionately known as "Ngwena" or "The Crocodile", Mnangagwa went into self-imposed exile after falling out with the incumbent, President Robert Mugabe - his boss of more than 55 years.
But following the military's seizure of power, unconfirmed reports suggest that the former vice president returned to his homeland yesterday evening to pick up the pieces.
According to impeccable sources, the 75-year old politician is likely to be a key figure in the country's transition from Mugabe's octopus-like grip on power.
He said to be cooling his feet at one of the army barracks, most likely at Manyame Air Base, on the outskirts of the capital city, where he could be directing negotiations for a power transfer deal between his former boss and the military.
"The vice president is back and is at a military barrack, remember he promised that he will be back in a few weeks and true to his word he is now back," a source told the Daily News.
Military experts say Mnangagwa could be lurking in the wings, ready to make his first public appearance since he skipped the borders.
Yes, he is back," said the aide, who declined to be named, adding that Mnangagwa, who is a potential successor to President Robert Mugabe, had returned on Thursday after nearly a week abroad.
In talks with the army chief on Thursday, Mugabe refused to resign, as sources suggested the veteran leader was "buying time" to negotiate his exit.
The talks in Harare came after soldiers put Mugabe under house arrest, took over state TV and blockaded main roads in a stunning turnaround for the president who has ruled the country with an iron fist since 1980.
Zimbabwe's military chiefs said in statement Friday they had detained some "criminals" in Mugabe's government after seizing power in the dispute over who would succeed the 93-year-old leader.
Affectionately known as "Ngwena" or "The Crocodile", Mnangagwa went into self-imposed exile after falling out with the incumbent, President Robert Mugabe - his boss of more than 55 years.
But following the military's seizure of power, unconfirmed reports suggest that the former vice president returned to his homeland yesterday evening to pick up the pieces.
According to impeccable sources, the 75-year old politician is likely to be a key figure in the country's transition from Mugabe's octopus-like grip on power.
He said to be cooling his feet at one of the army barracks, most likely at Manyame Air Base, on the outskirts of the capital city, where he could be directing negotiations for a power transfer deal between his former boss and the military.
"The vice president is back and is at a military barrack, remember he promised that he will be back in a few weeks and true to his word he is now back," a source told the Daily News.
Military experts say Mnangagwa could be lurking in the wings, ready to make his first public appearance since he skipped the borders.
Yes, he is back," said the aide, who declined to be named, adding that Mnangagwa, who is a potential successor to President Robert Mugabe, had returned on Thursday after nearly a week abroad.
In talks with the army chief on Thursday, Mugabe refused to resign, as sources suggested the veteran leader was "buying time" to negotiate his exit.
The talks in Harare came after soldiers put Mugabe under house arrest, took over state TV and blockaded main roads in a stunning turnaround for the president who has ruled the country with an iron fist since 1980.
Zimbabwe's military chiefs said in statement Friday they had detained some "criminals" in Mugabe's government after seizing power in the dispute over who would succeed the 93-year-old leader.
Source - dailynews
