Is Mugabe's ouster about change?

No, Mugabe’s Ouster Isn’t Really About Change

The military takeover in Zimbabwe has raised hopes that the country can turn the page on Robert Mugabe’s rule and begin a series of reforms. But the truth is that despite the military’s move, it isn’t really interested in change – and it certainly didn’t try to oust Mugabe for the people’s sake, argues Mondli Zondo in South Africa’s Mail and Guardian.

“This is not about seeking a change in direction from the downward slope Zimbabwe has been on but rather, this is a factional battle of the Zimbabwe African National Union -- Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) playing itself out publicly,” Zondo writes.

“Since [former Vice President Emmerson] Mnangagwa’s sacking, his supporters in the ruling party including leaders in the military have been incensed by the purging of those who have fallen out of favour with Mugabe and what we see now is a retaliation.

“The military doesn’t seek regime change in Zimbabwe they simply want a different leader from the same party. For decades, Mnangagwa has been an ally of the president and his record reveals that he isn’t too different from Mugabe. So no, this is not about change.”

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