Zimbabwe crisis: Army says it is 'targeting criminals', not Mugabe

[brooklynite]

Source: BBC

Zimbabwe's military has read out a statement on the country's national broadcaster, ZBC, saying it has taken action to "target criminals".

However, it said this was not "a military takeover of government" and President Robert Mugabe was safe.

Heavy gunfire and artillery were heard in northern suburbs of the capital, Harare, early on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe's envoy to South Africa, Isaac Moyo, earlier dismissed talk of a coup, saying the government was "intact".

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41992351

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“Targeting criminals”: is that what the kids are calling it these days?

[applegrove]

1. Darn. The people of Zimbabwe deserve democracy and less corruption.

[rpannier]

3. According to several analysts on the continent

The worst thing the military could do is to announce they were moving against Mugabe -- at least to announce they were. He is still popular in many areas in Africa for being a pivotal figure in defeating European Colonlialism
This is really a move against his wife and her supporters who moved Mnangagwa from government. He was/is expected to take over when Mugabe finally dies.
He is less autocratic than Mugabe and his concern appears to be improving the economy. Is he really? IDK. Mugabe was, for a while, concerned with all those things

[Amishman]

6. given that Mugabe was trying to remove the elected VP and insert his wife into that position

Depending on who takes control (for example the elected VP), this could end up resulting in less corrupt individuals at the top.

[sandensea]

2. Someone must be taking notes.

"They don't like me, Jeff. Isn't that a crime!?"

"I'm workin' on it, Mr. President."

[nitpicker]

4. Live update thread from DW

http://www.dw.com/en/zimbabwe-military-steps-in-live-updates/a-41384811

[Sunlei]

5. Targeting criminals in the city suburbs? entire continent of Africa is regressed to darker ages