Expert: Zimbabwe crisis to ease soon if Mugabe steps down

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‍Zimbabwe’s military began an operation to take control of key assets in Harare early on November 15. Explosions were reported in the city and gunfire was heard in the neighborhood close to Mugabe's compound.

Military intervened in the political crisis because the struggle over 93-year-old Mugabe’s succession as leader of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party has been underway for some time, but was just brought into the open on November 6 when Mugabe sacked Vice President Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe looks on as his deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa reads a card during Mugabe's 93rd birthday celebrations in Harare, Zimbabwe, Feb. 21, 2017. /Reuters Photo‍

However, Mnangagwa vowed to return to lead the country. The 75-year-old, who is reported to have now flown back to Zimbabwe, heads a faction supported by liberation war veterans and much of the military.

Mugabe met Zimbabwe's army commander and South Africa's defense and security ministers but a settlement to peacefully end the two-day political crisis is yet to be reached. But Mugabe is being urged to accede to the military's demands for the nation’s interest.

Some say Mugabe agreed to step down, but there are also conflicting reports saying that he refused to do so. Liu Guijin, former Chinese ambassador to both Zimbabwe and South Africa, who was also China's first special envoy for African affairs thinks it will be easier to resolve the current crisis if Mugabe agrees to step down.

“Because people commonly believe that the former vice president is the ideal selection. That would be the end of the possibility of the first lady because I don’t think she is that popular...Zimbabwe people would welcome that outcome.” Liu explained to CGTN on what happens if Mugabe steps down.

If Mugabe refuses to step down, Liu said the situation would become very serious that could lead to a real crisis.

“We cannot be sure whether turmoil and even bloodshed will follow. The old man does not have a lot of choices now,” he added.