The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has announced the immediate suspension of Gabon following a military coup in the country. The council strongly condemned the takeover and suspended Gabon’s participation in AU activities. The coup ended the Bongo family’s long-standing rule, posing a challenge for a region that has faced several coups in recent years.
The body said on X, formerly Twitter, that it “strongly condemns the military takeover of power in the Republic of Gabon” and has decided “to immediately suspend the participation of Gabon in all activities of the AU, its organs and institutions until the restoration of constitutional order in the country, in line with AU instruments.“
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed concerns about the spread of autocracy and called for action to prevent further coups. Tinubu, who chairs West Africa’s main regional body ECOWAS, said on Thursday:
<blockquote>
My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copycats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped. 
</blockquote>
The military has stated that General Brice Oligui Nguema who led the coup will be sworn in as transitional president, while the opposition demands recognition of their candidate as the winner of the recent elections.
ECCAS, the political bloc for Central Africa, condemned the coup and plans to hold a meeting of heads of state to determine the response. However, reactions from regional organisations have been relatively muted, partly due to concerns about a potential contagion effect among countries with similar regimes. The recent history of coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger underscores the limited influence of African powers once the military seizes control.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

The African Union Suspends Gabon After A Military Coup In The Country

The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned the “attempted” coup d’etat in Gabon which followed the Central African nation’s elections which were won by ousted President Ali Bongo Ondimba. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the AU called for the safety of President Bongo and his family. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat is following with great concern the situation in Gabon and strongly condemns the attempted coup d’etat in the country as a means out of the current post-electoral crisis.
He strongly recalls that it constitutes a flagrant violation of the legal and political instruments of the African Union, including the African Charter on Elections, Democracy and Governance.
He further calls on the national army and security forces to adhere strictly to their republican vocation and to guarantee the physical integrity of the President of the Republic, members of his family, and those of his government. The Chairman of the Commission encourages all political, civil and military actors in Gabon to give priority to peaceful political avenues, and a rapid return to democratic constitutional order in the country.
</blockquote>
The coup took place just moments after the president was declared the winner of a disputed election. The ousted president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, also known as Ali Bongo, had faced allegations of election fraud and corruption during his 14-year rule over the oil-rich but impoverished country. Following the coup, residents in the capital city celebrated and showed support for the soldiers on the streets.
However, many uncertainties remain as Bongo is reportedly under house arrest, his son has been arrested, borders are closed, and the government appears to be non-functional. The international community has expressed concern and condemnation of the coup, with some countries advising their citizens in Gabon to stay indoors.
It is still unclear what will happen next, including the fate of Gabon’s parliament and government institutions, the future leadership of the country, the situation for Bongo and his family, and the impact of the coup on Gabon’s international relations.
The Bongo family has faced criticism, particularly due to the significant wealth gap in the country. The Bongo family’s assets in France, including properties, bank accounts, and luxury cars, have drawn attention. Ali Bongo’s three election victories have been highly controversial, with allegations of electoral irregularities.
Political analysts say the occurrence of several coups in Africa’s former French colonies in recent years, including Gabon, threatens the progress of democratisation in the continent. Coups were more prevalent in the early postcolonial years, often motivated by corruption, mismanagement, and poverty. These issues persist, and some African populations feel they are worsening, leading to disillusionment with allegedly corrupt leaders and a desire for change.
Some Political analysts blame the AU for coups in Africa, citing its failure to enforce fair elections. They argue that the AU’s silence on election rigging and its inability to uphold its own protocols have eroded credibility. Zimbabwean journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono says coups, once condemned, are now celebrated by African youth as the only means to remove corrupt leaders. He said AU’s inaction has created a leadership vacuum, exploited by opportunistic militaries.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

AU Condemns Gabon Coup Staged Against President Ali Bongo

Political analysts believe that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is unlikely to gain support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) for their demands for fresh elections. The CCC has raised concerns about the integrity of the 23 – 24 August 2023 polls, which declared President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the winner. The CCC has hinted at legal challenges and has called for Sadc and AU intervention.
However, experts argue that foreign supervision of elections may not be feasible. They suggest that SADC and AU would likely advise pursuing legal avenues before considering intervention. The CCC’s past calls for international supervision of elections have also been unsuccessful.
Local political analysts emphasize the need for the opposition to protect their current gains and engage in political dialogue to reform election institutions. Professor of world politics at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, Stephen Chan, said:
<blockquote>
It seems the strategy is to call upon Sadc and the AU to support this call. This may not be successful.
Observer reports are one thing, repudiating a government, even one in place by tainted means, is something else.
SADC will say try the courts first, but the courts, in like ruling against the CCC, will simply validate the government, further reinforcing the Sadc/AU reluctance actually to intervene.
</blockquote>
Local political analyst Rashweat Mukundu said while the CCC’s demand for fresh elections may not be realised, they should continue advocating for electoral reforms. He said:
<blockquote>
I think it’s a bold statement by CCC that Zimbabwe needs a fresh election managed by a neutral body, it could be Sadc or the AU. Of course, the question then is: will that be accepted moreso in light of what the Constitution says?
The key question is: what happens to the Constitution of Zimbabwe in terms of the management of elections which essentially puts the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in that position and role?
Even if the call for fresh elections does not happen, the CCC still needs to defend and protect its current gains and still push for political dialogue on reforming institutions that are responsible for elections.
</blockquote>
Another political analyst Effie Ncube, however, urged the opposition to explore various strategies and utilizing both local and international platforms. Ncube said:
<blockquote>
There is no silver bullet in this tragedy. Therefore, every avenue must be tried to resolve a potentially explosive situation.
There are a range of tools and strategies out there that can be used to deliver a better outcome from the dispute around the election results.
That the CCC has picked one of these does not mean that others should be discarded. Instead, the situation may actually require a combination of strategies and the wise use of local and international platforms.
</blockquote>
Advocate Thabani Mpofu disagrees with the opposition CCC’s call for fresh elections, suggesting they focus on protecting their current gains and recovering what they believe was stolen. The CCC won 73 seats in the National Assembly during the recent harmonized elections, but their presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa, lost to President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the ZANU PF party.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Analysts Doubt SADC And AU Will Support CCC's Call For Fresh Elections

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has initiated a 30-day campaign calling for fresh elections following last week’s controversial poll results.
The party argues that the elections were severely flawed, making the outcome illegitimate. They propose holding new elections under the supervision of an “impartial” electoral body, different from the “biased” Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), or preferably under the supervision of SADC, African Union (AU), and or the United Nations (UN).
CCC spokesperson Promise Mkhwananzi announced the launch of the #CitizensFreshElection campaign, urging all concerned citizens to actively participate. Mkhwananzi, formerly a leader of the Tajamuka/Sesijikile pressure group, was recently appointed as the party’s spokesperson to address upcoming challenges and lead the call for new elections. He said:
<blockquote>
Following Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Assembly resolution to reject the electoral sham of August 2023, I wish to announce that my communications department will be launching a 30 day #CitizensFreshElection campaign. Every aggrieved Citizen must play a part in this historic journey.
</blockquote>
The CCC’s call for fresh elections has sparked debate among supporters and analysts, with differing opinions on the best approach to take. Some argue that the CCC should have accepted victory in the 73 National Assembly Constituencies and solely contested the Presidential election results. The party claims that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) manipulated the results in favor of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the ZANU PF candidate. On the other hand, there are those who believe that rejecting the results entirely will attract the attention of key stakeholders like SADC, AU, and UN, ultimately pressuring Zimbabwe to ensure transparency in future elections.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe 2023 Elections: CCC Launches 30-day Campaign Calling For Fresh Elections

Black Africans in Tunisia are facing racist attacks, stabbings and evictions after the president made some incendiary remarks. On social media, some Tunisians call sub-Saharan African migrants invaders, criminals and rapists who eat their cats.
There are 20,000 “Sub-Saharan Africans” in Tunisia compared to a population of 12 million so they’re not taking over. 
President Kais Saied’s comments echo The Great Replacement Theory that’s popular in right-wing European and North American circles. He’s being accused of racism.
Some African counties including Guinea and Gabon are repatriating their citizens following the attacks, CNN correspondent, Larry Madowo, reported.
Some, however, say they won’t leave the country since there is nothing to go to in their home countries. Watch the video below for more: 
<div>
<video controls="controls" height="270" preload="metadata" width="480"><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/RACISM-TUNISIA.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/RACISM-TUNISIA.mp4</a></video></div>
Speaking at the country’s National Security Council on February 21, President Saied said migration from sub-Saharan Africa aimed to change Tunisia’s national identity. He said:
<blockquote>
The undeclared goal of the successive waves of illegal immigration is to consider Tunisia a purely African country that has no affiliation to the Arab and Islamic nations.
</blockquote>
The African Union called the president’s remarks racist and shocking, according to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/4/african-migrants-desperate-to-leave-tunisia-after-attacks">Al Jazeera</a>. 
The African Union also postponed a conference that was scheduled for Tunisia next week. The AU Chairperson previously strongly condemned the “racial statements on fellow Africans in Tunisia”
Saed defended his remarks denying that he was inciting racist attacks on black Africans in Tunisia. Tunisia rejects that it is racist, and reminded it was one of the founders of the Organization of African Unity. Said Tunisia in a statement:
<blockquote>
It is an honor for Tunisia to be an African state. Africans are our brothers.
</blockquote>
Thousands of people from sub-Saharan Africa travel to Tunisia for work in Tunisia or to use the North African country as a springboard to travel to Europe.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Black Africans In Tunisia Face Racist Attacks, Stabbings, Evictions

The African Union has condemned violent protests that erupted in South Africa following the arrest and incarceration of former president <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Zuma">Jacob Zuma</a> last week Wednesday. The protests have since degenerated into chaos as demonstrators are burning vehicles, blocking the roads and looting shops.
<blockquote>_13 July 2021, Addis Ababa: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemns in the strongest terms the surge of violence that has resulted in the deaths of civilians and appalling scenes of the looting of public and private property, destruction of infrastructure, including the suspension of essential services in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng and other parts of South Africa._ 
_The Chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a rapid and full recovery to the wounded._ 
_The Chairperson calls for an urgent restoration of order, peace and stability in the country in full respect of the rule of law. He stresses that failure to do so can have grave impacts not only in the country but the Region as a whole._ 
_The Chairperson reiterates the full and unwavering solidarity of the African Union Commission with the government and people of South Africa._ </blockquote>
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

Zuma Arrest: African Union Speaks On Violent Protests

African Union Chairperson who is also South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa has called upon the international community to assist poor countries during the coronavirus crisis.
He also called for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and Sudan and also underscored the need for a waiver of all interest payments and international as well as bilateral debt to give the much needed fiscal space to African countries.
The distress call is made when some countries including Zimbabwe have already approached international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund seeking financial assistance which they say would go a long way in aiding the fight against COVID-19.
Watch the video below for more.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lLvtu-1LPHU?feature=oembed" title="AU Chairperson Ramaphosa calls for assistance for poor countries" width="640"></iframe></div>
More: <a href="https://youtu.be/lLvtu-1LPHU">SABC News</a>

WATCH: AU Chairperson President Ramaphosa Calls For Assistance Of Poor Countries

Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao, the former African Union (AU) ambassador to the United States has said that the “illegal” sanctions which the West imposed on Zimbabwe need to be removed as they are hurting the general populace.
She is speaking when Zimbabweans are comparing and contrasting the effects of both sanctions are and maladministration.
Some analysts say that corruption is the country’s biggest challenge and the removal of sanctions will do less to help the situation.
Meanwhile, the governing party – ZANU PF, which admits that corruption is rampant and needs to be dealt with, says over two decades of sanctions have choked the country’s efforts to develop.
Watch the video below for more.
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="352" id="video-151234-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CHIHOMBORI-FORMER-AU-AMB-TO-USA.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CHIHOMBORI-FORMER-AU-AMB-TO-USA.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CHIHOMBORI-FORMER-AU-AMB-TO-USA.mp4</a></video></div>
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/nicolehondo/status/1228695243408711680">ZBC News; Nicole Hondo</a>

WATCH: Former AU Ambassador To USA Speaks On Sanctions Imposed On Zimbabwe

The African Union has at the ongoing 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia expressed displeasure over the sanctions imposed on member states.
See the text below.

FULL TEXT: AU "Strongly Objects" To Sanctions On Zimbabwe And Other African States

Former president of Ghana, Jerry Rawlings has denounced the sacking of Zimbabwean international, Arikana Chihombori from being African Union’s Ambassador to the USA.
Arikana was sacked by African Union’s Presidency, Moussa Faki Mahamat after she condemned French continued exploitation of her former colonies.
Rawlings in a statement said that the dismissal of Chihombori raises serious questions about the independence of the African Union. He added:
<blockquote>For someone who spoke her mind about the detrimental effects of colonisation and the huge cost of French control in several parts of Africa, this is an act that can best be described as coming from French-controlled colonised minds.
How can this shameful behaviour emanate from us? A woman with all that it takes to galvanise our continent is chopped down by French-colonised power mongers good enough to be cleaners or pruning trees at the Elysee Palace.
With leaders of this kind, how can this continent ever progress?</blockquote>
Rawlings joins thousands of Africans who have criticised Chihombori’s dismissal. Zim Live reports that a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/african-leaders-and-presidents-reinstate-african-union-ambassador-chihombori-quao?recruiter=1009460821&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&amp;utm_term=psf_combo_share_initial&amp;recruited_by_id=c6217910-ee69-11e9-a5f6-7dd92731e1b1&amp;share_bandit_exp=initial-18336973-en-GB&amp;share_bandit_var=v3">petition opened online</a> to get the African Union to rescind the decision had been signed by 12,000 people by midday this Monday.
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2019/10/14/jk-rawlings-condemns-sacking-of-aus-ambassador-to-the-united-states/">Zim Live</a>

Ex-President Of Ghana Denounces The Sacking Of AU Ambassador To USA

Graca Machel, the widow of the late South Africa president, Nelson Mandela has said that the legacy of the late founding leader of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe must be honoured. She said that Mugabe was instrumental in shaping the African continent and SADC region and Zimbabwe in particular. Her remarks follow the passing on of Mugabe in the early hours of Friday in a hospital in Singapore where he was receiving treatment.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v0MJ4DPhgHg?feature=oembed" title="Honour Mugabe’s legacy - Machel" width="640"></iframe></div>
More: <a href="https://youtu.be/v0MJ4DPhgHg">ZTN</a>

WATCH: "That Man Played Huge Role In Shaping Africa" - Machel Speaks On Mugabe

African leaders on Sunday launched a continental free-trade zone in Niger. The development is expected to create a $3.4 trillion economic bloc and usher in a new era of development.
The launch comes after an agreement to form a 55-nation trade bloc was reached in March.
Ghana was, at the summit, announced as the host of the trade zone’s future headquarters and discussions were held on how exactly the bloc will operate.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is premised at unlocking Africa’s economic potential by boosting intra-regional trade, strengthening supply chains and spreading expertise.
The AFCFTA is the largest trade zone since the creation of the World Trade Organization in 1994.
Speaking at the summit’s opening ceremony, Egyptian President and African Union Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said:
<blockquote>The eyes of the world are turned towards Africa.
The success of the AfCFTA will be the real test to achieve the economic growth that will turn our people’s dream of welfare and quality of life into a reality.</blockquote>
Member states have committed to eliminating tariffs on most goods. The IMF estimates that this will increase trade in the region by 15-25% in the medium term.
Africa has been dependent on donations from other continents, a scenario that has stifled the implementation of its projects and programmes. The dependence syndrome has also taken away Africa’s autonomy at both economic and political issues.
Developed economies have been giving aid to Africa so as to support their interests at the geoeconomic and geopolitical arenas, particularly at the United Nations.
More: <a href="https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/af/idUSKCN1U20BX?__twitter_impression=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reuters</a>

Africa Launches Continental Free-Trade Zone, The Largest Since WTO In 1994

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to leave for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia tomorrow.
This was announced by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting via its official Twitter account. The Information Ministry said Mnangagwa is set to attend the 32nd Ordinary session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government. According to the AU the assembly will be held from 10 to 11 February 2019:

Mnangagwa Set To Leave For Ethiopia To Attend AU Assembly

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has called on all Member States to take measures to establish visa-on-arrival regime for all African passport holders. Mahmat commended Ethiopia for establishing visa-on-arrival regime for all African passport holders. In a statement Mahmat said,
<blockquote>The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, welcomes the announcement made, on 8 October 2018, by President Mulatu Teshome to the joint session of the House of People’s Representatives and the House of Federation of Ethiopia regarding the establishment of a visa-on-arrival regime for all African passport holders entering the country starting from the fiscal year 2018-2019. He commends Ethiopia for this measure and reiterates his appreciation to the Member States that have already taken steps to ease the travel of African citizens on the continent. He urges all Member States that have not yet done so to take similar steps.
The Chairperson looks forward to the day when all Africans can freely circulate in their own continent. In this respect, he underlines the need for all Member States to become parties to the January 2018 Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment. So far, 32 Member States have signed this instrument, while only one Member State – Rwanda – has ratified it. Fifteen ratifications are required for the entry into force of the Protocol.</blockquote>

AU Chairperson Calls For Establishment Of Visa-on-Arrival Regime In All Member States

The African Union (AU) observer mission’s head of delegation Hailemarian Desalegn Boshe said that the continental body is satisfied with the electoral processes in Zimbabwe. Said Boshe
<blockquote>So far its fine, it’s going in the right direction. There are complaints (from the opposition), but we are working on those issues. By and large, the government has prepared for these elections to be free, fair and democratic.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2018/07/au-happy-with-zim-polls-preps/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

Preparations For Elections Going In The Right Direction: African Union

In separate statements, the African Union (AU) and Sadc yesterday condemned the assassination attempt on President Emmerson Mnangagwa soon after addressing a Zanu-PF rally at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday.
In a statement Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat said:
<blockquote>[he] strongly condemns the cowardly bomb attack that took place yesterday at a campaign rally in the city of Bulawayo attended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured during this senseless act of violence, which cannot be justified under any circumstances.
[he] reiterates the importance of the elections scheduled for 30 July 2018. Their successful conduct will mark a major step in the efforts to enhance democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.</blockquote>
In a statement Sadc chairman and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said violence and criminality had no place in democratic processes in the region. Speaking through his spokesperson Mr Khusela Diko yesterday, Ramaphosa said he will consult Angola’s President and Sadc’s chair of the Organ on Politics Defence and Security, Joao Lourenco to “ensure that appropriate protection is provided ahead of the elections.”
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/au-sadc-condemn-ed-assassination-bid/">Chronicle</a>

AU, SADC Condemn Mnangagwa Bomb Attack

In a meeting with African Union (AU) Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat in Harare on Monday, former president Robert Mugabe is reported to have claimed that his family was being harassed and that he was being denied his constitutional benefits as a former head of state. This is at odds with reports that Mugabe was going to receive a $10 million package, although, the state never confirmed the figure. Mugabe told Mahamat,
<blockquote>For instance, they told you, I was safe, but how can I be in this environment? My wife is crying daily. They are persecuting her; that is obviously directed at me. What am I without my wife and family. We are not safe. We have constitutional benefits, for example, but these are being denied.
It’s not like I am crying for those benefits I joined the struggle to fight to free my people. not to personally benefit anything, but why deny me benefits that I am constitutionally entitled to?
You need to assist us to bring this country to normalcy and democracy There is need for people’s rights to be restored and normal life to continue. Now there is no freedom of expression. If you disagree with them, then you must die.
We need the spirit of Kenneth Kaunda in this country, ‘One Zambia, One Nation’. This country I is now deeply divided along regional and tribal lines; that is wrong We want our own ‘One Zimbabwe, One nation’ Harassing and intimidating people must stop; witch-hunting against people, must stop.
Why are they harassing people Some of them are overzealous. How do you arrest a whole university vice-chancellor over lies about a PhD? Some of these people are just idiots, they are ignoramuses.
….Anyways, just give us our benefits.
..I’m going, to tell the truth; there is no more democracy anymore in Zimbabwe. How can it be Is there when the military is ruling? I’m saying this as Robert Mugabe and, of course, I am not afraid of anyone. I was imprisoned for 11 years by the Rhodesians so there is nothing to fear.</blockquote>
<hr/>
<h2>Also Read: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2017/12/28/mugabe-will-get-benefits-resigning-zimbabwes-president/">This Is What Mugabe Will Get As Benefits After Resigning As Zimbabwe’s President</a></h2>
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More: <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2018/02/23/mugabe-breathes-fire-mnangagwa-rule/">The Zimbabwe Independent</a>

Mugabe Tells AU That He Is Not Safe, Says His Family Is Being Harassed, Claims He Is Being Denied His Benefits

Former president Robert Mugabe is reported to have told African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat that Zimbabwe is now under military rule and that he was forced to resign last November. The former president also told the Mahamat that the 2018 elections will not be free and fair as the country is under military rule.  However, despite all this,  Mahamat endorsed Mnangagwa’s government.
According to notes from the Monday meeting which were quoted by the weekly publication, The Zimbabwe Independent, Mugabe said:
<blockquote>….At home, I worked closely with the late vice-president Joshua Nkomo to build a professional army hr our newly-independent and democratic state We had gone to war to fight to defeat and reject colonialism In the process we also rejected military rule and this has always been important and consistent with our liberation struggle principles that we will not allow the gun to lead politics. Our philosophy is politics leads the gun.
It is tragic and sad that in Zimbabwe since November 15 government and state institutions have been taken over by the military which is now part of the current unconstitutional administration.
I was pressured by the army to resign; I did so in order to avoid conflict and bloodshed in my country. I was worried because it had been brought to my attention that people had been intimidated, illegally seized, attacked, homes had been raided at gunpoint and destroyed, and weapons confiscated from other state security agencies.
The army had been unconstitutionally deployed without permission of the commander-in-chief and soldiers continue to be used in this operation. So from a constitutional point of view, he (Mnangagwa) is there unconstitutionally.
Mnangagwa is in power illegally, yet some of his officials dare call me a dictator. What dictator?
….Anyway, that’s situation on the ground in Zimbabwe. Now you want to know whether elections will be free and fair. Of course, I don’t think so. How can they be free and fair when the military is running everything?
...I’m going, to tell the truth; there is no more democracy anymore in Zimbabwe. How can it be Is there when the military is ruling? I’m saying this as Robert Mugabe and, of course, I am not afraid of anyone. I was imprisoned for 11 years by the Rhodesians so there is nothing to fear.
Please don’t appease them. Be honest and tell them the truth. guide them forward. We want you to assist to restore normalcy and democracy in the country and stop this thing of ruling through guns.</blockquote>
More: The Zimbabwe Independent

I Was Forced To Resign, Mnangagwa Is In Power Illegally, Elections Will Not Be Free And Fair: Mugabe Tells AU Chair

African Union (AU) chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat has said that former president Robert Mugabe claimed that he resigned because he wanted peace and development for the country. Said Mahamat,
<blockquote>I met him (Mugabe), we exchanged views, and he also explained why he resigned. It was for peace and development of the country. And we appreciated that very much.
This was the first time I was visiting the country. I could not go without meeting him. Since President Mugabe forms part of the heroes of who fought for the independence of Zimbabwe and the continent, he is a common heritage for us.</blockquote>
Mugabe finally stepped down after 37 years in power when the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) launched a military intervention code named Operation Restore Legacy in November last year.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2018/02/resigned-peaces-sake-mugabe/">NewsDay</a>

I Resigned For The Sake Of Peace And Development in Zim: Mugabe Tells AU Chairperson

Patrick Zhuwao, nephew of former president Robert Mugabe has lashed out at African Union (AU) chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat for supporting the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which he says came into power through a military coup. Zhuwao was unhappy that Mahamat had called the November 2017 military intervention a peaceful transition. Mahamat also professed ignorance of the petition filed by the New Patriotic Front (NPF). The NPF is believed to be the brainchild of Zhuwao and other exiled G40 members such as Saviour Kasukuwere and Jonathan Moyo. Said Zhuwao
The statement attributed to you is astonishingly baseless and, in fact, false.
<blockquote>More specifically, your statement is partial, and partisan given there is not record of your having interacted with affected stakeholders, including victims and families of those who were killed or tortured during the coup leading to the displacement of countless Zimbabweans both internally and externally.
Furthermore, it is extremely disingenuous of you to claim ignorance of the petition sent to you by NPF on 29 January 2018 especially in light of the massive administrative and institutional infrastructure of the AU.
…In the circumstances, it is my hope and prayer that the reports attributed to you are erroneous because your position of legitimating a glaring military coup has dire consequences for legitimate and constitutional governance in Africa.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-46667-Moyo,+Zhuwao+blast+AU+for+ED+support/news.aspx">New Zimbabwe</a>

Zhuwao Lashes Out After AU Chair Says He Did Not Receive Petition From New Patriotic Front

The African Union (AU) has said that it has not received a petition allegedly authored by the G40 fronted New Patriotic Front.
In an interview with <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/au-chair-endorses-transition-trashes-g40-claims/">The Chronicle</a>, AU Commission’s chairperson Mr Moussa Faki said that they have not received the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/02/03/former-zanu-pf-members-call-sanctions-zimbabwe/">petition which calls on the continental body to impose sanctions against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration</a>. Said Faki:
<blockquote>I am just learning from you now. I have not received any copy of the petition.</blockquote>
Below is part of the document:
<blockquote>In light of the foregoing, the New Patriotic Front demands that in the first place the conduct and statements of the African Union and SADC in relation to the events of the 15th of November 2017 cannot stand in blatant violation of the Constitutive Acts of these organisations and the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Such a dereliction of duty cannot be countenanced and cannot be without consequence or relief As set out in the opening paragraph, the following is demanded of the AU and SADC:-
a) openly renounce and condemn the said events of 15 November 2017 as a military coup;
b) take all steps necessary to refrain from recognising the legality or legitimacy of the military regime currently purporting to form the Government of Zimbabwe;
c) cease all diplomatic ties and cooperation and recognition of the said Government of Zimbabwe and further to refuse to accord it any recognition as a member in good standing of the AU and SADC;</blockquote>
However, Faki endorsed the military intervention that led to the ouster of Robert Mugabe and many members of the G40 Faction. Faki said that the military intervention was constitutional and the African Union will fully support the new dispensation. Said Faki:
<blockquote>In fact, we highly appreciate the way that the transition has taken place and also according to the laws and constitution of the country. We have come at this period in order to consult with the Government on how to support Zimbabwe during this crucial period of transition. I want to thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for the warm welcome that has been accorded to us and also the meeting we have had which has been very enriching.</blockquote>

AU Speaks On G40 Petition Calling For Sanctions Against Mnangagwa

The People’s Republic of China is reported to have been spying on the African Union (AU) for five years. According to an investigation by French publication, Le Monde, the Chinese built and donated a compromised computer network to the AU in addition to the AU’s new Headquarters in Addis Ababa. Since the headquarters was opened in 2012 and up to January 2017, the Chinese downloaded and accessed the AU’s confidential files. Computer experts discovered the leak after noticing anomalies in data usage, particularly a spike at night when the building was supposed to be empty.
In an article, Le Monde wrote
<blockquote>According to several sources within the institution, all sensitive content could be spied on by China. It’s a spectacular leak of data, spread from January 2012 to January 2017.</blockquote>
After the problem was discovered, the AU acquired its own servers and started encrypting its traffic.
More: <a href="https://mg.co.za/article/2018-01-29-how-china-spied-on-the-african-unions-computers">Mail and Guardian</a>, <a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2018/01/26/a-addis-abeba-le-siege-de-l-union-africaine-espionne-par-les-chinois_5247521_3212.html">Le Monde</a>

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