Explainer: The power struggle behind the Zimbabwe crisis

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Zimbabwe was rocked by explosions Wednesday morning, soldiers were on the streets of the capital Harare, and troops had taken over the state broadcaster.

The dramatic early morning events came one day after the country’s top general warned that the military was prepared to “step in” to end fighting within the ruling Zanu-PF party.

The roots of the crisis in the southern African nation appear to lie in a power struggle within Zanu-PF between independence era veterans and a new generation of potential leaders.

Vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, the man long expected to succeed Mugabe, was sacked on November 6. The removal of Mnangagwa, who fled the country but vowed to return as leader, is thought to be part of a plan to replace the 93-year-old Mugabe with his wife Grace.

Key players

President Robert Mugabe

Mugabe was a prominent leader in the guerilla war which ultimately led to independence from Britain in 1980. He has served as Zimbabwe’s leader for 37 years, becoming prime minister in 1980 and changing the constitution to become president in 1987.

President Robert Mugabe /Reuters Photo

Now 93, he is the world’s oldest leader. He was strongly supported by the military for many years, but has faced criticism over his handling of the economy amid high inflation and cash shortages.

Grace Mugabe

Grace Mugabe has proved a divisive figure in Zimbabwe since marrying the president and becoming first lady in 1996. Now 52, she hit headlines in September when accused of assaulting a model she found with her sons in South Africa.

Grace Mugabe with President Robert Mugabe /Reuters Photo

She has positioned herself as lead of a group known as “G40," representing a younger generation of Zimbabweans, and was expected to be named vice president next month following the sacking of Mnangagwa. She has the backing of Zanu-PF’s youth wing, a strong voice in the country.

Emmerson Mnangagwa

Mnangagwa was a close ally of Mugabe for over 40 years, fighting alongside him for independence and then in various government positions. The 75-year-old, whose shrewdness earned him the nickname “the crocodile," was expected to become leader following his elevation to vice president.

Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Robert Mugabe /Reuters Photo

However, he was accused of plotting to take power and sacked – upsetting his large power bloc within the country, including the influential war veterans and military leaders.

General Constantino Chiwenga

Zimbabwe’s top military official, also a veteran of the independence war, on November 13 demanded that Mugabe stop purges of senior Zanu-PF figures, including Mnangagwa, and warned that the army was prepared to “step in” to stop “treacherous shenanigans.”

General Constantino Chiwenga and President Robert Mugabe /Reuters Photo

He was soon accused of "treasonable conduct" for challenging the president. On Wednesday, military vehicles and troops were seen on the streets of capital Harare.

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