[Ex-Zimbabwean PM Morgan Tsvangirai with Raila Odinga in a past event. He claims President Robert Mugabe has been toppled by military. Photo/Nation]
Veteran Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, a close associate of NASA leader Raila Odinga says Zimbabwean military has taken over power only that it fears acknowledging, reports the BBC.
A statement read by Maj. General Sibusiso Moyo on the country’s national TV indicated that the military was ‘targeting criminals around’ President Robert Mugabe and that the veteran leader is safe.
Through his spokesman Alex Magaisa, Tsvangirai says the military is playing safe because the idea of coup does not sell well internationally.
“They have decided not to call it a coup because it does not sell to international community and will be condemned,” he said.
Magaisa added: “As far as authority is concerned, Mugabe is now a president in name and authority is residing with military.”
Sharing almost same history in opposition politics, Tsvangirai has been a constant critic of the embattled veteran president and at one time, he was Prime Minister out of a negotiated power sharing arrangement.
In 2013 during ODM National delegates Conference at Kasarani, the MDC leader was the official guest of Odinga, during his third attempt at presidency.
Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo is believed to have been detained by the military, which has since advised citizens to remain calm and limit unnecessary movement.
Army Chief Constantino Chiwenga had earlier warned that he will intervene to end purges in the ruling ZANU-PF party following sacking of Vice President Emerson Mnangagwa.