Thread by @tmakwande

After hours of uncertainty, Army takes over state broadcast apparatus as U.K. issues travel warning to #Zimbabwe. A coup is 2. #Thread

Almost 48 hours ago, Army General Constantine Chiwenga issued a rare warning to Pres Mugabe for removal of war veterans from party & Gvt

24 hours ago, The ruling party’s youth league fired salvo at the general prompting military presence in the capital.

Military tanks were reportedly spotted on the Gweru - Harare highway signaling a strong response to firing of VP Mnangagwa last week.

After hours of uncertainty and presence outside key positions; 2nd presidential guard, state broadcaster and Presidential residence...

...the army is now broadcasting and has effectively cancelled all leave for army officers #Zimbabwe

“All leave cancelled” as defence forces urged to return to their barracks

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by @the_helcat view original on Twitter

Correction. U. K. issues travel warning ‘in’ #Zimbabwe and not to. “Stay indoors”

Despite explosions and/or gunfire being heard in the state capital, army insists that this is not a coup.

The president and his family are safe - #Zimbabwe army says in broadcast

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by @malaikadiva view original on Twitter

Following his sacking, former VP Mnangagwa issued a statement last week vowing to return and lead #Zimbabwe

Opinion: Speculation is that the army is sympathetic of Mnangagwa.

Opinion: Whatever the army is doing, it appears they want it to go as smoothly and peacefully as possible. #Zimbabwe

Zimbabweans speculating Mnangagwa's return

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by @LanceGuma view original on Twitter

"As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy" - #Zimbabwe army

Army: "To the civil servants, as you are aware, there is a plan by the same individuals to influence the current purging which is taken place in the political sphere" in apparent reference to expulsions from #Zimbabwe govt & ZPF

"To the judiciary, the measures underway are intended to ensure that as an independent arm of the state you are able to exercise your independent authority without fear of being obstructed as has been the case with this group of individuals" - #Zimbabwe army

"To our members of parliament, your legislative role is of paramount importance 4 peace and stability in this country & it is our desire that a dispensation is created that allows you to serve your respective political constituencies according to democratic tenets" #zimbabwe army

"To the generality of the people of Zimbabwe, we urge you to remain calm and limit unnecessary movement, however, we encourage those who are employed and those with essential business in the city to continue their normal activity as usual.... 1/2

2/2 "...our wish is that you enjoy your rights and freedoms and that we return our country to a dispensation that allows for investment development and prosperity that we all fought for and for which many of our citizens paid the supreme sacrifice" - #Zimbabwe army

"To political parties, we urge you to discourage your members from engaging in violent behaviour." - #Zimbabwe army. Follow thread for other quotes.

"To the youth, we call upon you to realise that the future of this country is yours, do not be enticed with the dirty coins of silver. Be disciplined and remain committed to the ethos and values of this great nation." - #Zimbabwe army

"To all churches and religious organisations in Zimbabwe, we call upon you and your congregations to pray for our country and preach the gospel of love, peace, unity and development" - #Zimbabwe army

"To both our people and the world beyond our borders, we wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover of government. What the ZDF is doing is to pacify a degenerating political, social and economic situation in our country which if not addressed... 1/2

2/2 "...may result in a violent conflict. We call upon all the war veterans to play a positive role to ensure peace, stability and unity in the country." - #Zimbabwe army

"To members of the defence forces, all leave is canceled and you are all to return to your barracks with immediate effect" - #Zimbabwe army

"To our respected traditional leaders, you are the custodians of our culture, customs, traditions and heritage and we request you to provide leadership and direction to your communities for the sake of unity and development in our country" - #Zimbabwe army

"To the...security services, we urge you to cooperate for the good of our country. Let it be clear that we intend to address the human security threats in our country, therefore, any provocation will be met with an appropriate response." -#Zimbabwe army

"To the media, we urge you to report fairly and responsibly, we thank you." - #Zimbabwe army. [End of Statement]

Statement released by Zanu PF, roughly 10 hours prior to the broadcast by #Zimbabwe Defence Forces. It calls General Chiwenga's actions from a day before "treasonable conduct".

Army appealing to the nostalgia and emotion of 18 April 1980 by controlling the music playlist on #Zimbabwe television. Remember, "this is not a military takeover of govt" ;)

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by @tkthegoat view original on Twitter

The General's live broadcast speech is on repeat, being played in-between yesteryear #Chimurenga tracks. #Zimbabwe

15/11/17, 0606hrs, there aren't any reports of violence or bloodshed during this non-coup #Zimbabwe.

It's possible that some locals, excluding those living close to #Zimbabwe state house and ZBC precincts, may not have been aware of events unfolding until the broadcast went live this morning at 4am.

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by @Wamagaisa view original on Twitter