As the current political situation in Zimbabwe attracts global interest, many from around the world, and on the continent, have reacted.
Zimbabwe’s long-standing President, Robert Mugabe, is currently witnessing the military take to the streets in an apparent bid to oust him from leadership, over what they call an interior “purge” of ruling party members.
Here are some of the reactions to make headlines:
Alassane Ouattara, Cote d’Ivoire: “[The] world has changed”
Cote d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara has called for President Robert Mugabe to resign, according to AFP.
Initially praising Mugabe’s role in his fight against colonialism: “[he] has been the object of respect and even adulation from many Africans and young Africans”.
He then went on to say that the “world has changed”, and because of this and the “long time he has spent in office, everyone is aware that it is time for him to hand over his seat to a new generation.”
Ian Khama, Botswana: “We are not monarchs”
Botswana’s President Ian Khama has backed calls for Mugabe to leave his position, according to Reuters.
Saying that the military intervention was “an opportunity to put Zimbabwe on a path to peace and prosperity”.
He also added: “I don’t think anyone should be president for that amount of time [37 years]. We are presidents, we are not monarchs. It’s just common sense.”
Boris Johnson, U.K.: “Mugabe has succeeded in tarnishing this jewel [Zimbabwe]”
U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson reportedly blasted Mugabe in his column in the British newspaper, The Telegraph, stating: “There is an educated population, plentiful wildlife and what were some of the best roads and railways in Africa.
“Throw all this together and you get a nation that is almost over-endowed for success.
“And yet Mugabe has somehow succeeded in tarnishing this jewel, just as Machel feared he would.”
Alpha Conde, A.U.: “Clearly soldiers trying to take power by force”
African Union (A.U.), and Guinea, President Alpha Conde said the A.U. condemned the actions of top brass in the southern African nation as “clearly soldiers trying to take power by force”.
“The African Union expresses its serious concern regarding the situation unfolding in Zimbabwe,” a statement sent to AFP said, expressing support for the country’s “legal institutions”.
The African body further demanded “constitutional order to be restored immediately and calls on all stakeholders to show responsibility and restraint,” it added.
Antonio Guterres, U.N.: “Resolve political differences through peaceful means and dialogue”
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all sides in Zimbabwe to show “restraint”.
Guterres is monitoring the situation and “appeals for calm, non-violence and restraint,” said U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq.
Guterres “stresses the importance of resolving political differences through peaceful means and dialogue, and in line with the country’s constitution,” he added.
Jacob Zuma, South Africa: “Do not undermine peace and stability”
South African President Jacob Zuma, who reportedly contacted Mugabe, reiterated his call for calm and restraint and for the ZDF to ensure that peace and stability are not undermined in Zimbabwe.
Donald Yamamoto, U.S.: “Transition to a new era for Zimbabwe”
The U.S. is seeking “a new era” for Zimbabwe, the State Department’s top official for Africa said, calling on President Mugabe to step aside as a political crisis mounts.
In an interview with Reuters, acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto appeared to dismiss the idea of Mugabe: “It’s a transition to a new era for Zimbabwe, that’s really what we’re hoping for.”
U.S. President Donald Trump is yet to make an official comment on the situation.
