All over for Mugabe

[adam2]

The military have taken power in Zimbabwe.

I am not a great fan of military coups, but in this case, they cant do any worse than Mugabe did, IMHO.

Details
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41992351

[PS_RalphW]

So ends the longest 'democratic' rule in Africa. On the day of black majority rule I met a white Rhodesian who was decidedly bitter. I remember a 'week ending' skit where the parties in the first election took turns speaking to a voter

- Vote for me and I won't beat you up

- Vote for me and I won't beat you up, pull out your finger nails and steal all your cattle .

- Vote for me and I won't beat you up, pull out your finger nails, steal all your cattle . burn down your house, rape your wife and murder your children.

etc.

[adam2]

Note to dictators.
To increase the chances of the army staying loyal, you have to pay them, preferably in real money like US dollars or Pounds Sterling and not in your own almost worthless currency.

"the best thing you can say about Mugabe is that eventually he will die"

I suppose that the next best thing is him being deposed.

But what about Scotland ? Military takeover likely ? Mugabe was king of Scotland as well

[fuzzy]

I think that was Idi Amin. The bloke with heads in his fridge. Will Africa ever stabilise? Maybe the largest continents need 1 party systems eg USSR, to keep things simple. Africa is actually larger than USSR, though on Mercator maps you can't see it.

[emordnilap]

Will Africa ever stabilise? Maybe the largest continents need 1 party systems eg USSR, to keep things simple. Africa is actually larger than USSR, though on Mercator maps you can't see it.

The continent's problems probably arose because, as in the middle east, "countries" were decided by invaders and exploiters rather than by geography or social constraints.

And yes, Mercator has a lot to answer for. For instance, according to Wikipedia:

Africa = about 30 million square kilometres
Greenland = about 2 million square kilometres

though you wouldn't guess by looking at a map.

[raspberry-blower]

I think that was Idi Amin. The bloke with heads in his fridge. Will Africa ever stabilise? Maybe the largest continents need 1 party systems eg USSR, to keep things simple. Africa is actually larger than USSR, though on Mercator maps you can't see it.

No chance of that - far too many tribes to even contemplate such a thing.

I actually know a black Zimbabwean - apparently all is quiet in Bulawayo. She is hoping for positive changes!

BTW The Last King of Scotland by Giles Foden described the military coup that brought Idi Amin into power. I hope Zimbabwe doesn't get another power crazed psycho. From accounts thus far it would appear that this is to stop Grace Mugabe from taking over the country. (Apparently she is known as Lady Gaga!) This would indicate that Robert Mugabe is unfit to run the country - given that he is 93 and looking increasingly frail he may not have that long left to live

[boisdevie]

"The continent's problems probably arose because, as in the middle east, "countries" were decided by invaders and exploiters rather than by geography or social constraints. "

I'd agree that drawing borders using rulers rather than taking into account georgraphy or tribal boundaries was incredibly stupid. But Africans also seem to have not helped themselves have they what with supporting corrupt dictators for decades.

[Lord Beria3]

Blame it on Brexit.

[Lord Beria3]

On a slightly more serious note, this must be good news, by Zimbabwean standards.

Grace Mugabe would have been a truly awful leader.

[johnhemming2]

It may indeed be the least bad option.

[adam2]

Mugabe now sacked as leader of ruling party.
Former deputy appointed in his place.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42043370

[adam2]

Despite being sacked as party leader, Mugabe vows to stay on.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42046911

[adam2]

"Mugabe resigns" according to news reports.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

[raspberry-blower]

Gregory Elich: What is behind the military coup in Zimbabwe?

[vtsnowedin]

Gregory Elich: What is behind the military coup in Zimbabwe?

Looks like they are going to swap an old corrupt dictator for a younger more corrupt new one.