| Author (Person) | Rocha, Frederico |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Cardiff EDC |
| Series Details | From November 2017 to February 2018 |
| Publication Date | February 2018 |
| Content Type | News |
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Reports and analysis on the political transition in Zimbabwe triggered when longstanding President Robert Mugabe announced his resignation in November 2017. The decision was welcome by the European Union. The Council of the European Union adopted further conclusions on this matter in January 2018. The European Parliament held a discussion on the political developments in the country in February 2018. Further information: Elements of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) gathered around the country's capital Harare on 14 November 2017, and seized control of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and key areas of the city. The next day, the ZDF issued a statement saying that it was not a coup d'état and that President Robert Mugabe was safe, although the situation would return to normal only after the ZDF had dealt with the 'criminals' around Mugabe responsible for the socio-economic problems of Zimbabwe. The uprising took place amid tensions in the ruling ZANU–PF party between former First Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa (who was backed by the ZDF) and First Lady Grace Mugabe (who was backed by the younger G40 faction) over who would succeed the 93-year-old President Mugabe. On 19 November, ZANU-PF removed Mr Mugabe as party leader, replacing him with Mr Mnangagwa, and issued a deadline of 20 November for Mugabe to resign the presidency or face impeachment. Mugabe did not resign, so on 21 November a joint session of Parliament and Senate met for his impeachment. After the session convened, Mugabe sent a letter to Zimbabwe's Parliament resigning the presidency. Second Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko became the Acting President. Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as President on 24 November 2017. The conclusions adopted by the Council of the European Union on 22 January 2018 were discussed at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. |
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| Countries / Regions | Africa, Europe |
