Robert Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist for last 40 years, is reportedly under house arrest in the capital Harare after the country's military moved to take control.
Explosions were heard in Harare after troops started to patrol the capital, with their commanders saying they're acting to halt ongoing purges within the President's ruling ZANU-PF political party.
Mike Siluma is the Africa editor for South Africa's independent news channel ENCA.
IN: "The military….."
OUT: "….and co-ordinated"
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David Coltart is a former Minister of Education in Zimbabwe and a founding member of the opposition "Movement for Democratic Change".
He says the action follows the firing of the country's Vice-President, who is closely allied to the army.
IN: "Robert Mugabe...."
OUT: "....no vacant threat"
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The immediate roots of the political crisis in Zimbabwe was that Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa was sacked, and his firing is seen as a transparent move to set up Grace Mugabe, the president's wife, as his successor.
Mike Siluma is the Africa editor for South Africa's independent news channel ENCA.
IN: "The trouble...
OUT:....of the military."
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CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1115zim-siluma2.mp3
ENCA's Africa editor Mike Siluma explains that there's been a succession crisis in Zimbabwe because President Mugabe is very old.
IN: "he's showing...
OUT: ...every sentence."
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CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1115zim-siluma3.mp3
ENCA's Africa editor Mike Siluma explains that this situation is different, the military has kept communications open, unlike many attempted coups.
IN: "So it's a...
OUT: ...over government."
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CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1115zim-siluma4.mp3
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