Zimbabwe officials denied rumors of a military takeover when tanks rolled through Harare streets on Wednesday. People worried as they watched military vehicles drive through downtown areas where important leaders lived. Ndavaningi Mangwana posted on social media that these tanks just showed off equipment during planned drills.
Government spokesman George Charamba backed this up, saying army forces practiced to keep their battle systems ready. He assured everyone this happened to maintain security for citizens. The tanks appeared during political tension within the ruling Zanu PF party about President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leaving office when his term ends in 2028.
Many people thought opponents tried to remove Mnangagwa from power early. This reminded them of 2017, when Robert Mugabe lost his position after 37 years of running the country. That earlier change happened because retired general Constantino Chiwenga led forces against Mugabe, helping Mnangagwa take charge.
Reports say Mnangagwa met with military leaders after returning from an African Union meeting in Ethiopia. Despite all the worry and tank movements, daily life continued as normal throughout Zimbabwe on Thursday. People went about their regular activities without disruption across the capital city and other parts of the country.
Government spokesman George Charamba backed this up, saying army forces practiced to keep their battle systems ready. He assured everyone this happened to maintain security for citizens. The tanks appeared during political tension within the ruling Zanu PF party about President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leaving office when his term ends in 2028.
Many people thought opponents tried to remove Mnangagwa from power early. This reminded them of 2017, when Robert Mugabe lost his position after 37 years of running the country. That earlier change happened because retired general Constantino Chiwenga led forces against Mugabe, helping Mnangagwa take charge.
Reports say Mnangagwa met with military leaders after returning from an African Union meeting in Ethiopia. Despite all the worry and tank movements, daily life continued as normal throughout Zimbabwe on Thursday. People went about their regular activities without disruption across the capital city and other parts of the country.
