Zimbabwe. What's going on ?

[RailwayRowdy]

As the Army, usually loyal to Mugabe, take control of state tv. the question is, “Is this a Coup or not” ? The former Rhodesia, founded by Cecil Rhodes of De Beers fame and once described as the architect of Aparteid, faces yet another unknown future. Which way will it go ?

[Robbie Earle's Perm]

I struggle to understand why Mugabe continues to live like royalty despite the ‘coup’. After the ‘democracy’ he’s put his people through he’s no better than the white supremicists that ruled previously. He should live out his remaining days in chains along with his wife who ridiculously he wanted to succeed him.

 

 

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[geosname]

I struggle to understand why Mugabe continues to live like royalty despite the ‘coup’. After the ‘democracy’ he’s put his people through he’s no better than the white supremicists that ruled previously. He should live out his remaining days in chains along with his wife who ridiculously he wanted to succeed him.

 

 

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Possibly because the people who want him there have him there, the people who dont want him there control his being there... bloodless regime change?... I doubt he will be there for long... unless it is to the advantage to the people who dont want him there

[Warren]

There is an alignment of political power and corruption in despotic states. So provided you are within the privileged party core that receive patronage from the father figure, you continue to support him. If you don't you lose your livelihood and maybe your life. Something has to break in that system for there to be change. Maybe succession is the issue here as Mugabe nears checkout. The loyal are frustrated that Mrs Mugabe is being lined up and they are not going to accept it. The great benefactor has lost his glitter, time for him to go. I guess my logic is that the despot will be replaced by another despot or at least the party will remain in power and the people (everyone else) will continue to live in poverty.

 

I think there is another factor. Being deputy despot means you can have all the privilege without the hassle of being centre stage. Deputies in the regime may not want to step up until their interests are really threatened.

[RailwayRowdy]

There is an alignment of political power and corruption in despotic states. So provided you are within the privileged party core that receive patronage from the father figure, you continue to support him. If you don't you lose your livelihood and maybe your life. Something has to break in that system for there to be change. Maybe succession is the issue here as Mugabe nears checkout. The loyal are frustrated that Mrs Mugabe is being lined up and they are not going to accept it. The great benefactor has lost his glitter, time for him to go. I guess my logic is that the despot will be replaced by another despot or at least the party will remain in power and the people (everyone else) will continue to live in poverty.

 

I think there is another factor. Being deputy despot means you can have all the privilege without the hassle of being centre stage. Deputies in the regime may not want to step up until their interests are really threatened.

 

Which Mnangagwa now appears to have done. As you say,Mugabe’s attempt to install his wife was a step to far. You sometimes despair at these states. 40 years after independence and the rich are still rich and the poor are still poor.