Five confusing moments from Mugabe’s televised speech

Mugabe has stunned the world and left many confused after his speech was televised on Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster, ZBC at 9 pm tonight.

Viewers were left surprised as Mugabe flanked by army generals read out a 20 minute speech which was not a resignation, despite him being fired from Zanu-PF earlier today.

Mugabe stated that the army had treated him with dignity during negotiations and while the developments of the past week were unexpected, he remained committed to following the tradition and ethos of the party.

For Zimbabweans and the world, who were waiting anxiously to see Mugabe relinquish power, his speech left many unanswered questions and pointed to a party which still protected and promoted Mugabe as a man who was seemingly untouchable.

Below are five confusing moments from his televised address

1. Mugabe complimented the military several times during his speech, saying they had the best interests of the country at heart and had treated him with dignity.
2. He said he was happy about the day’s developments which included and the highlight being that he was fired together with his wife Grace and several leaders and ministers close to him.
3. At one point, an indication was made to Mugabe that he should skip through a certain part on the speech.
4. His authority was not challenged, Mugabe said.
5. A large part of the speech was dedicated to rethoric about forgiveness, putting the past behind and there being no bitterness or acts of revenge.

Watch the video below

While he had been recalled by his party earlier with his wife Grace expelled from the ruling party and stripped of her position of head of the Women’s League, Zanu-PF had largely celebrated his expulsion. The moment he was recalled saw a mixed reaction with many shouting in delight and others heckling loudly.

Together with Grace, other leaders who had been recalled from their positions include Kudzanayi Chipanga, Zanu-PF youth leader; Jonathan Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Minister; Zanu PF’s national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, Patrick Zhuwao, Mugabe’s nephew and Ignatius Chombo, Zimbabwe’s finance minister.

Emmerson Mnangagwa is now the interim president and is set to be Zanu-PF’s preferred candidate for the general elections next year.

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