Emmerson Mnangagwa and his imposed illegitimate military dictatorship have only been in power for 3 weeks and already, they have carried out enough purges to ensure a clear path for him in the upcoming general election.
The uptick in systematic targeted purges of the progressive, G40 pro-Mugabe faction members and other members of the now dead ZANU (PF) is not accidental. There is a formula and reason to the madness.
The illegitimate Mnangagwa-Chiwenga cabal that is struggling with issues of legitimacy within the international community is setting in motion a path to electoral rigging in order to guarantee itself victory and therefore legitimacy.
Purges
Former Minister Ignatius Chombo under arrest appeared in court on corruption charges dating back decades. Credit: Reuters
These selective, targeted purges which have only increased are a calculated political move and strategic maneuver to weaken the opposition, which G40 is now one, while ensuring that Mnangagwa runs both unchallenged and unopposed for the presidency in the 2018 General Election.
Former Ministers and government officials from the previous administration continue to be targeted, arrested, threatened and even intimidated. Some, fearing for their lives, have left the country and forced into exile while others have simply disappeared with no knowledge of their whereabouts.
President Robert Mugabe under house arrest with master coup-plotter Gen. Constantino Chiwenga (R) watching. Credit: EPA/The Herald
In the meantime, former President Robert Mugabe remains under house arrest by the military 3 weeks after he was illegally deposed from power. He is being kept away from the public and any public engagements. People are also being denied access to him.
Former Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo who was arrested and tortured has become the poster-person of what can happen to anyone not aligned with the illegitimate Mnangagwa-Chiwenga cabal. His abuse and brutal treatment at the hands of the military state is a clear message to anyone that they have the power, the resources and state tools at their disposal to crush, break and destroy any dissent.
Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has not been seen or heard from since he was taken at the Zim-Botswana border. Credit: Believe Nyakudjara
Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko who, together with his wife, had sought refuge in ‘not-so-friendly’ neighbouring Botswana, was ordered to leave that country and return to Zimbabwe with his entire family. Somehow, he was later handed over to Zimbabwean authorities who were already waiting for him at the border. Since then, nothing has been heard of him.
At the same time, the local national press and broadcasting networks have become pawns and mouthpieces of the Mnangagwa-Chiwenga cabal. Last week, the country suffered an internet blackout, maybe for a test run, but it was enough of a scare and possibly an insight into what lies ahead for Mnangagwa’s “new Zimbabwe”.
All of these occurrences are neither accidental nor coincidental but systematic and methodical. They are part of a broader strategy by Mnangagwa to consolidate powers by eliminating any perceived threats.
Four Decades In Planning
Former President Robert Mugabe with former Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa (L) and Phelezela Mphoko (C)
Emmerson Mnangagwa who has had almost four decades to perfect his intimidation tools and tactics is slowly creating a one party military state through targeted purges. In addition to tightening his grip, there is also a consolidation of power underway in a bid to legitimize his imposed, illegitimate military government which came about through the illegal usurpation of power.
Touted as a man skilled in covert operations, Mnangagwa is engaged in covert electoral rigging through purging. His operations are so brazen in nature that beds the question as to whether he is doing this under the assumption that Zimbabweans are either too stupid to notice or that they are not paying attention. Zimbabweans are indeed paying attention and their silence shouldn’t be misinterpreted as cowardice.
Rigging His Way To Legitimacy
The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Zimbabwe has already indicated that there will be no financial assistance or disbursement of “significant new funding” to the country until “fair and credible elections” are held.
The statement exposes the challenges Mnangagwa’s imposed military dictatorship is facing over its legitimacy by the international community and world over. This is something they would like to change and the only way that be achieved is through credible elections which in this case, all signs indicate that they may neither be fair nor credible with the recent upsurge in targeted arrests and purges.
Fool Us Once…..
Zimbabweans have been fooled once after they were cleverly manipulated by the military. They have learnt their lesson and therefore, whatever Mnangagwa’s illegal government is doing, it will be closely scrutinized, monitored and countered. People have a voice that is powerful when united.
It’s time for the same people who were used once, to now turn the tables and send a clear message through the ballot box. By exercising their right en-masse, they can reclaim their country and their government by removing from power this imposed, illegitimate military dictatorship imposed upon all of us. It’s time to resist Mnangagwa and his illegitimate government.
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