Robert Mugabe Removed from Leadership of Zimbabwe's Ruling Party

On Sunday, November 19, the ruling party of Zimbabwe held an emergency meeting aimed at the resignation of Robert Mugabe from the party, ultimately removing him from this position. In this meeting, Mugabe's ousted deputy was elected as the leader of the ruling party. Emerson Mnangagwa was removed from the vice presidency earlier this month, after which the army took control and placed Robert Mugabe under house arrest. According to a senior official from the ruling party, ZANU-PF, Grace Mugabe, Robert Mugabe's wife, has also been expelled from the party. Reuters reported that Grace Mugabe and 'several others' will be prosecuted. Robert Mugabe is scheduled to meet with the commander of the Zimbabwean army on Sunday. The army is demanding his resignation from power. Meanwhile, Chris Mutsvangwa, a prominent figure in the ruling party, expressed concern that if Mugabe does not resign, violent conflicts may occur in the country. Before Mugabe's removal from the party leadership, Mutsvangwa, the head of the veterans of the Zimbabwean liberation wars, stated that the army might have to confront the people to protect Mugabe from protestors. He also expressed hope that Mugabe would resign immediately. The purpose of the emergency meeting of the ruling party was to request Mugabe's resignation from the party leadership. On Tuesday, members of the Zimbabwean parliament are also set to impeach Robert Mugabe. Yukai Simbanagwa, the head of the youth club of the ruling party, emphasized on Sunday that it would be better for Mugabe to resign and rest as an 'elder statesman'. He also called for the reinstatement of the vice presidency. A senior member of ZANU-PF told Reuters on Friday, November 17, 'If (Mugabe) remains stubborn, we plan to remove him on Sunday.' He also stated, 'Once Mugabe is removed, he will be impeached on Tuesday (November 21).' Robert Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980, continues to insist on remaining in power. Last Tuesday, the army took control of Zimbabwe in a 'bloodless' action. The army claims it has not staged a coup and that Robert Mugabe remains president. Army generals were concerned that Mugabe would transfer power to his controversial wife, Grace, who is also under house arrest. Robert Mugabe made his first public appearance on Friday since being placed under house arrest at a graduation ceremony for students. His appearance came as the army stated that 'significant progress' had been made in negotiations for Mugabe's resignation. African leaders have mediated in these discussions. On Sunday, Innocent Gonese, leader of the opposition party 'MDC-T', stated, 'If Mugabe does not resign by Tuesday, the impeachment process will commence with the certainty of the sunrise from the east.' He also mentioned that his party is in contact with the ruling ZANU-PF party. Previously, the 'MDC-T' party made an unsuccessful attempt to impeach Mugabe, but now Mugabe's own party has rebelled against him. In this context, thousands of people in Zimbabwe have called for Mugabe's resignation. Mugabe made his first public appearance since house arrest, insisting on remaining in power; the crisis in Zimbabwe continues.