Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Thursday said he was ousted from power by a "coup d'etat" in an interview conducted by South African broadcaster SABC, marking his first media appearance since he left office in November.
The 94-year-old Zimbabwean, once dubbed the longest-ruling leader alive, was forced to step down last year after a military intervention prompted mass protests and his own political party launched impeachment proceedings against him.
Here's what Mugabe said:
- "I say it was a coup d'etat — some people have refused to call it a coup d'etat."
- "We must undo this disgrace which we have imposed on ourselves, we don't deserve it."
- "People must be chosen in government in a proper way. I'm willing to discuss, willing to assist in that process — but I must be invited."
Mugabe led Zimbabwe after independence from the UK in 1980
But interim President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mugabe's former confidant, said on Friday that Zimbabwe "has moved on" after Mugabe's resignation, saying the former leader "is entitled to express himself freely, as is the case for any private citizen."
"Our focus at this time shall remain on preparing for free, fair and credible elections in 2018," said Mnangagwa in a statement posted to Twitter.
"This is a key step in the immense task at hand, which is to lift our people from the effects of years of severe economic regression and international isolation."
Why does this matter: In November, Zimbabwe's military placed Mugabe under house arrest, saying it was implementing a "national democratic project." Although many Zimbabweans celebrated Mugabe's departure, some remain skeptical of the military's involvement.
"The situation has not changed since they removed Mugabe," businessman Munyaradzi Chihota told AFP news agency. "(Mugabe) is 100 percent right that this was a military coup, that this country has been turned into a military state — and that this has to be undone."
Read more: Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai 'has left big shoes to fill'
What happens next: Polls are slated for August. It will be Mnangagwa's first electoral test after taking over from Mugabe. According to analysts, Mugabe is unlikely to make a comeback. But they believe he has a vested interest in determining the future political landscape of the country.
Read more: Exclusive: Zimbabwe's new opposition leader Nelson Chamisa
"In the back of his mind, (Mugabe) still sees himself as part of the problem and part of the solution," Gideon Chitanga of the Johannesburg-based think tank Political Economy Southern Africa, told AFP.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mnangagwa, Grace Mugabe go head to head
In November, Robert Mugabe dismissed his vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, after accusing him of "plotting a coup against the government." Some Zimbabweans feared Mugabe was grooming his wife, Grace Mugabe, to take over in the event of his death.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Chiwenga's warning
On November 13, 2017, General Constantino Chiwenga, commander of Zimbabwe's Defense Force, warned that the army could "step in" to save the country from political tension and economic crisis.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Tanks in Harare
Military and armored vehicles were seen at the outskirts of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, on November 14, 2017. On the same day, the military also took over the state-run broadcaster ZBC.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mugabe safe in army hands
On November 15, 2017, Major General SB Moyo, the military spokesman, announced on the ZBC that Mugabe and his family were "safe and sound and their security was guaranteed." He said the military was targeting "criminals around" Mugabe who were "committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering."
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
A 'smiling' Mugabe meets Chiwenga
On November 16, 2017, General Constantino Chiwenga, along with other officials, was seen in military uniform meeting President Robert Mugabe (C) at the State House. It was reported that Mugabe was smiling as they both shook hands. However, the leaders of ZANU-PF announced that there was "no going back."
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mugabe puts in a public appearance
After being placed under house arrest, Mugabe appeared publicly at a university graduation ceremony on November 17, 2017. Here, a military officer adjusts a chair for Mugabe, who is dressed in a blue-and-yellow academic gown, to sit on after arriving to preside over the ceremony. Mugabe, who was reportedly tired, was then caught falling asleep.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Zimbabweans call on Mugabe to go
On November 18, 2017, residents of the capital, Harare, held a protest with anti-Mugabe placards demanding the president's resignation. Veterans of the independence war, activists and ruling party leaders called publicly for Mugabe to be forced from office.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mugabe ousted from ZANU-PF leadership
Zimbabwean War Veterans leader Chris Mutsvangwa (R) arrived at a meeting of the ruling ZANU-PF party in Harare November 19, 2017. After hours of deliberation, the party announced that it had decided to fire Mugabe as leader of the party.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Mugabe does not step down
Many expected that after being recalled as ZANU-PF party leader, President Mugabe would use his address to the nation resign with dignity. Zimbabweans were left shocked after the rambling speech made no reference to him stepping down. Mugabe now faces impeachment, with proceedings believed to be starting on Tuesday.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
End of an era
Rather than face impeachment proceedings, Robert Mugabe prompted dancing in the streets of Harare when he resigned on November 22. "My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power," the 93-year-old said in a letter.
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The week that changed Zimbabwe
Euphoria in Harare
Supporters of Emmerson Mnangagwa celebrate the end of four decades under Mugabe. Mnangagwa was joined by cheering crowds after he returned to Zimbabwe from exile in neighboring South Africa. He is expected to be sworn in on November 24.
Author: Merga Yonas Bula
ls/kms (AP, AFP)
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