By Munyaradzi Mugomeza| It’s my birthday, and I’m reflecting on the state of Zimbabwean politics, particularly the coup that occurred 5 years ago. Was it for the benefit of ordinary people, or was it a power grab by those seeking to maintain control? I’ve reflected on this several times, and I’ve concluded that it was never about the people.
The military coup of November 2017 in Zimbabwe, marketed as a necessary intervention to rescue the nation from Robert Mugabe’s long-standing dictatorship, was a monumental betrayal of the people’s hopes. Far from ushering in a new era of democracy and prosperity, the coup was a cynical power grab orchestrated by Emmerson Mnangagwa, Constantino Chiwenga, and their cohorts. It was a calculated maneuver to maintain ZANU-PF’s grip on power and shield the party’s corrupt inner circle from accountability.
This coup was never about the Zimbabwean people; it was about safeguarding the interests of a kleptocratic elite. Mnangagwa’s rise to power, hailed by his allies as a victory for reform, was merely a reshuffling of ZANU-PF’s oppressive apparatus. The regime that emerged from the coup is not only an extension of Mugabe’s rule but arguably more repressive and economically ruinous. The people, who dared to hope for genuine change, have been left to grapple with the painful realization that the coup was nothing more than a facade for a selfish and deceitful agenda.
A Deceptive Narrative of Liberation
The architects of the 2017 coup employed masterful propaganda to win over public sentiment. They presented the removal of Mugabe as a victory for democracy, justice, and progress. The military positioned itself as the savior of the nation, claiming to act in the interest of ordinary citizens. Tanks rolled into Harare, soldiers filled the streets, and jubilant Zimbabweans, desperate for an end to Mugabe’s 37-year reign, cheered what they believed was the beginning of a brighter future.
However, this narrative was a blatant lie. The coup had nothing to do with the people or their aspirations. It was not about addressing the rampant corruption, economic collapse, and political repression that had defined Mugabe’s rule. Instead, it was a ruthless factional fight within ZANU-PF. Mnangagwa and Chiwenga, long-time insiders of Mugabe’s regime, sought to eliminate the G40 faction led by Grace Mugabe and solidify their own control over the party and the nation.
Mnangagwa: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Emmerson Mnangagwa, who replaced Mugabe as president, was far from the reformist he portrayed himself to be. Nicknamed “The Crocodile” for his cunning and ruthlessness, Mnangagwa was a central figure in the oppressive machinery of Mugabe’s regime. From orchestrating the Gukurahundi massacres in the 1980s to his involvement in various corruption scandals, Mnangagwa’s hands are stained with the blood and suffering of countless Zimbabweans.
Under Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe did not break free from the chains of ZANU-PF’s tyranny; it tightened them. The coup was merely a transfer of power from one faction of despots to another. Chiwenga and his military allies, who played a pivotal role in executing the coup, were not champions of democracy. They were enforcers of ZANU-PF’s oppressive rule, motivated by self-interest rather than concern for the nation.
A Coup for Power, Not the People
The coup was not a revolution; it was a consolidation of power by a cabal that feared losing its grip on the state. In the years leading up to 2017, ZANU-PF had faced growing dissent from within and outside the party. The opposition, led by the late Morgan Tsvangirai and later Nelson Chamisa, had gained significant traction, threatening ZANU-PF’s dominance. Mugabe’s advanced age and Grace Mugabe’s political ambitions further destabilized the party.
For Mnangagwa and his allies, the coup was a means of neutralizing these threats. By removing Mugabe and sidelining Grace, they eliminated internal rivals and rebranded themselves as agents of change. But their actions were driven by fear—fear of losing power, influence, and access to Zimbabwe’s wealth.
Post-Coup Realities: Broken Promises and Continued Oppression
The aftermath of the coup exposed the hollowness of the promises made by Mnangagwa and his regime. The much-touted “Second Republic” has been a profound disappointment. Instead of ushering in reforms, the new administration has doubled down on corruption, economic mismanagement, and political repression.
Zimbabwe’s economy remains in shambles. Inflation has soared, unemployment is rampant, and public services are in a state of collapse. Despite Mnangagwa’s promises to attract foreign investment and revive the economy, his administration’s actions—characterized by incompetence, graft, and heavy-handedness—have driven the country further into despair.
On the political front, repression has intensified. Activists, journalists, and opposition leaders face harassment, arrest, and violence. The judiciary, police, and military remain tools of the regime, used to silence dissent and maintain ZANU-PF’s stranglehold on power. Mnangagwa’s government has shown no commitment to democratic principles or accountability. Instead, it has sought to entrench its rule through fear and intimidation.
The Role of the Military in Prolonging Tyranny
The military’s role in the coup and its aftermath is central to understanding Zimbabwe’s continued suffering. Chiwenga and other top generals positioned themselves as patriots acting in the nation’s interest. Yet, their actions have revealed their true priorities: securing their wealth and influence.
The military has benefited immensely from its alliance with Mnangagwa. From lucrative mining deals to control over key sectors of the economy, the generals have enriched themselves while ordinary Zimbabweans languish in poverty. The military’s involvement in politics has eroded the country’s democratic institutions and undermined any hope of civilian-led governance.
A Betrayal of the People’s Trust
For the Zimbabwean people, the coup was a devastating betrayal. The initial euphoria that followed Mugabe’s ouster quickly turned to disillusionment as it became clear that nothing had changed. The new regime, like the old one, has prioritized its survival over the well-being of the nation.
Millions of Zimbabweans, who dared to dream of a better future, have been left disappointed and disempowered. The coup did not address the root causes of the country’s crisis; it merely prolonged them. Corruption, inequality, and authoritarianism remain deeply entrenched, leaving the nation trapped in a cycle of despair.
The Way Forward: Rejecting ZANU-PF’s False Choices
The events of 2017 serve as a stark reminder that Zimbabwe’s liberation will not come from within ZANU-PF. The party’s internal struggles are not battles for justice or progress; they are power games played by elites who care little for the people they claim to represent.
True change in Zimbabwe will come only through genuine democratic processes, driven by the collective resolve of the Zimbabwean people. It will require rejecting the false dichotomy of choosing between different factions of ZANU-PF and demanding a government that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and the public good.
The international community also has a role to play in supporting Zimbabwe’s transition to democracy. Instead of legitimizing Mnangagwa’s regime, it must hold the government accountable for its actions and support civil society in its efforts to build a just and inclusive society.
Conclusion
The November 2017 coup was a betrayal masquerading as a revolution. Mnangagwa, Chiwenga, and their allies exploited the people’s desire for change to advance their own interests. Five years later, Zimbabwe remains mired in the same crises that defined Mugabe’s rule, with the added pain of broken promises.
The Zimbabwean people deserve better than the recycled tyranny of ZANU-PF. The fight for genuine liberation continues, and it is a fight that must be led by the people, for the people—not by those who have repeatedly shown their contempt for democracy and justice. The true revolution is yet to come.