Robert Mugabe, president of Zimbabwe, has been removed by the military and replaced with the military’s candidate to succeed Mugabe. Three NY Times articles give a good  look at the people and institutions involved.  The first article looks at the military’s role in Zimbabwe, which has been one of supporting  Mugabe and the party’s rule.  The second looks at Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice president of Zimbabwe, and the military’s man, until he was fired earlier this month, raising alarm among the military.  The third describes others involved in the power struggle, including the president’s wife. The articles enable one to see how, despite the ending of a long authoritarian regime, that the people of Zimbabwe may not see much improvement with the new government. The last, a video, explains coups briefly, giving recent examples.

For Zimbabwe, a coup is not the answer Glen Mpani New York Times November 15, 2017

A strongman named Crocodile is poised to replace Mugabe Kimco de Freytas-Tamura New York Times November 16, 2017

Behind Mugabe’s rapid fall: A firing, a feud, and a first lady Norimitsu Onishi New York Times November 19, 2017

Coups: what goes into toppling a government?  Nilo Tabrizy New York Times November 18, 2017

Also see  Understanding harmful economic systems., especially the section on maintaining control.

The new President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as he appeared last year at the March Human Rights Council meeting.  Credit: UN Photo /Jean Marc Ferré