Pakistan’s government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is grappling with a two-headed crisis: the country is mired in economic misery, and the government faces continuing political instability due to the arrest of populist opposition leader Imran Khan. Pakistan's political system is collapsing, leading many observers to speculate that military rule may not be far behind. Watch in for more details!

Political & economic turmoil: A prelude to military rule?

Burkina Faso's military government has announced it will extend junta rule for another five years. Burkina Faso has been governed by the army since January 2022. Watch in for more details!

Burkina Faso extends military rule by five years

At least eight demonstrators were killed in Sudan as security forces sought to quash mass rallies of protesters demanding an end to military rule.

Sudan: 8 protesters killed in mass anti-coup rallies

At least nine demonstrators were killed in Sudan as security forces sought to quash mass rallies of protesters demanding an end to military rule.

Sudan: 9 protesters killed in mass anti-coup rallies

A new trend has come up in Myanmar recently. Since November 2021, around six to seven families every day can be witnessed posting notices in the state-owned newspapers of the country. &nbsp;

What’s special about these notices is that the families have been declaring to have cut ties with their family members, such as daughters, sons, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, who have publicly opposed the ruling military junta. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-accused-of-burning-hundreds-of-homes-451051" hreflang="en">Myanmar junta accused of burning hundreds of homes</a>

The trend seems to have picked up after the army, which has seized power after a coup, announced that it would take over the properties of its opponents. It also said that it would also arrest people, giving shelter to the protesters. Numerous raids on homes had also followed the announcement. &nbsp;

A former car salesman Lin Lin Bo Bo, who has joined an armed group resisting the military rule, has been disowned by his parents in one such notice. &nbsp;

The notice, which was posted by his parents, San Win and Tin Tin Soe, in state-owned newspaper ‘The Mirror’ in November, said, "We declare we have disowned Lin Lin Bo Bo because he never listened to his parents' will." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-completes-a-year-of-return-of-military-rule-449615" hreflang="en">Myanmar completes a year of return of military rule</a>

The 26-year-old said he cried on reading the notice in the paper. "My comrades tried to reassure me that it was inevitable for families to do that under pressure. But I was so heartbroken," he told Reuters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The notices seem to be primarily intended to send a message to the authorities that they should not be held responsible for the actions of their children. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a news conference in November, while commenting on these notices, military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said that people, who have made such declarations in newspapers, could still be charged if found to be supporting opposition to the junta. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A new trend has come up in Myanmar recently. Since November 2021, around six to seven families every day can be witnessed posting notices in the state-owned newspapers of the country.

A new trend has come up in Myanmar recently. Since November 2021, around six to seven families every day can be witnessed posting notices in the state-owned newspapers of the country. What’s special about these notices is that the families have been declaring to have cut ties with their family members, such as daughters, sons, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, who have publicly opposed the ruling military junta. Also Read: Myanmar junta accused of burning hundreds of homes The trend seems to have picked up after the army, which has seized power after a coup, announced that it would take over the properties of its opponents. It also said that it would also arrest people, giving shelter to the protesters. Numerous raids on homes had also followed the announcement. A former car salesman Lin Lin Bo Bo, who has joined an armed group resisting the military rule, has been disowned by his parents in one such notice. The notice, which was posted by his parents, San Win and Tin Tin Soe, in state-owned newspaper ‘The Mirror’ in November, said, "We declare we have disowned Lin Lin Bo Bo because he never listened to his parents' will." Also Read: Myanmar completes a year of return of military rule The 26-year-old said he cried on reading the notice in the paper. "My comrades tried to reassure me that it was inevitable for families to do that under pressure. But I was so heartbroken," he told Reuters. The notices seem to be primarily intended to send a message to the authorities that they should not be held responsible for the actions of their children. In a news conference in November, while commenting on these notices, military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said that people, who have made such declarations in newspapers, could still be charged if found to be supporting opposition to the junta. (With inputs from agencies)

In new trend, Myanmar families disown kin fighting military rule to avert oppression

Sudanese security forces shot dead four people during a crackdown on nationwide protests on Thursday, a doctors` committee said, as tens of thousands of people marched against military rule. 
 
Security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades as protesters marched through Khartoum and the neighbouring cities of Omdurman and Bahri towards the presidential palace, Reuters witnesses said. 
 
The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said four protesters were shot dead by security forces, at least three of them in Omdurman. 
 
Al Hadath TV quoted an adviser to military leader Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan as saying the military would not allow anyone to pull the country into chaos and that continued protests were a "physical, psychological, and mental drain on the country" and "would not achieve a political solution". 
 
Thursday`s protests is the 11th round of major demonstrations since an Oct. 25 coup which saw Abdallah Hamdok removed and then reinstated as prime minister. The demonstrators have demanded that the military play no role in government during a transition to free elections. 
 
The Forces of Freedom and Change coalition said that security forces "used excessive repression" on Thursday and called on "regional and international communities and human rights organizations to condemn the coup." 
 
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote on Twitter that he was troubled by reports of lethal force and the United States "stands with the people of Sudan, as they demand freedom, peace, and justice." 
 
The U.N. Special Representative to Sudan, Volker Perthes, said that he was "deeply disturbed" by the deaths, adding that "all people have the right to express themselves peacefully; media have to report freely." 
 
Security forces confronted the protesters about 2 km from the palace in the centre of the capital, a Reuters witness said. 
 
Protesters continued facing tear gas in the city of Bahri past sundown near a blocked bridge connecting it to the capital, another Reuters witness said. Volleys of heavy tear gas followed protesters into neighbourhoods after being turned away from a bridge. 
 
The Khartoum State Ministry of Health also said in a statement that security forces in Omdurman prevented ambulances from carrying the injured to nearby hospitals, adding that the "scale of repression exceeded expectations." 
 
The doctors` committee said security forces arrested an injured man along with medical staff who tried to get him into an ambulance. 
 
Sudan`s sovereign council this week reinstated powers of arrests, detentions and seizures to the intelligence service. The intelligence service justified the decision by saying that the political situation could turn "catastrophic." 
 
Amid a communications blackout, most bridges to Khartoum were closed, with at least two blocked by shipping containers. An army checkpoint with an armoured vehicle was seen at one of the bridges that remained open. 
 
Protesters heading towards the blocked bridge connecting Bahri to the capital chanted: "As much as we sacrifice and die, we won’t be ruled by the boot." 
 
Internet and mobile services appeared to be disrupted in Khartoum on Thursday. 
 
Reuters witnesses were unable to make or receive domestic and international calls and a source at a telecoms company said an order to shut down internet services had come from the state-owned Sudan National Telecommunications Corporation. 
 
Some people managed to post images on social media showing protests in several other cities, including Port Sudan, Zalenjei, Kassala. 
 
The doctors` committee said Thursday`s deaths brought the death toll to 52 since crackdowns on protests against military rule began in October. 
 
"I come for the martyred. I`m not going to be tired because some people gave their lives for this. Being tired is nothing compared to that," said a nurse in Bahri who has attended all 11 protests and gave her name as Jihad. 
 
Several young men wore gloves to allow them to throw back tear gas canisters and stun grenades.

Sudanese security forces shot dead four people during a crackdown on nationwide protests on Thursday, a doctors` committee said, as tens of thousands of people marched against military rule.

Sudanese security forces shot dead four people during a crackdown on nationwide protests on Thursday, a doctors` committee said, as tens of thousands of people marched against military rule. Security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades as protesters marched through Khartoum and the neighbouring cities of Omdurman and Bahri towards the presidential palace, Reuters witnesses said. The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said four protesters were shot dead by security forces, at least three of them in Omdurman. Al Hadath TV quoted an adviser to military leader Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan as saying the military would not allow anyone to pull the country into chaos and that continued protests were a "physical, psychological, and mental drain on the country" and "would not achieve a political solution". Thursday`s protests is the 11th round of major demonstrations since an Oct. 25 coup which saw Abdallah Hamdok removed and then reinstated as prime minister. The demonstrators have demanded that the military play no role in government during a transition to free elections. The Forces of Freedom and Change coalition said that security forces "used excessive repression" on Thursday and called on "regional and international communities and human rights organizations to condemn the coup." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote on Twitter that he was troubled by reports of lethal force and the United States "stands with the people of Sudan, as they demand freedom, peace, and justice." The U.N. Special Representative to Sudan, Volker Perthes, said that he was "deeply disturbed" by the deaths, adding that "all people have the right to express themselves peacefully; media have to report freely." Security forces confronted the protesters about 2 km from the palace in the centre of the capital, a Reuters witness said. Protesters continued facing tear gas in the city of Bahri past sundown near a blocked bridge connecting it to the capital, another Reuters witness said. Volleys of heavy tear gas followed protesters into neighbourhoods after being turned away from a bridge. The Khartoum State Ministry of Health also said in a statement that security forces in Omdurman prevented ambulances from carrying the injured to nearby hospitals, adding that the "scale of repression exceeded expectations." The doctors` committee said security forces arrested an injured man along with medical staff who tried to get him into an ambulance. Sudan`s sovereign council this week reinstated powers of arrests, detentions and seizures to the intelligence service. The intelligence service justified the decision by saying that the political situation could turn "catastrophic." Amid a communications blackout, most bridges to Khartoum were closed, with at least two blocked by shipping containers. An army checkpoint with an armoured vehicle was seen at one of the bridges that remained open. Protesters heading towards the blocked bridge connecting Bahri to the capital chanted: "As much as we sacrifice and die, we won’t be ruled by the boot." Internet and mobile services appeared to be disrupted in Khartoum on Thursday. Reuters witnesses were unable to make or receive domestic and international calls and a source at a telecoms company said an order to shut down internet services had come from the state-owned Sudan National Telecommunications Corporation. Some people managed to post images on social media showing protests in several other cities, including Port Sudan, Zalenjei, Kassala. The doctors` committee said Thursday`s deaths brought the death toll to 52 since crackdowns on protests against military rule began in October. "I come for the martyred. I`m not going to be tired because some people gave their lives for this. Being tired is nothing compared to that," said a nurse in Bahri who has attended all 11 protests and gave her name as Jihad. Several young men wore gloves to allow them to throw back tear gas canisters and stun grenades.

Four protesting against military rule in Sudan shot dead, doctors say

Thailand parliament has shot down a legislation proposal, which reportedly aimed to weaken the military's political rule. The draft bill was introduced to scrap or make changes to key institutions, and ensure clear separation of powers in the Thai administration.

Thailand parliament shoots down on legislation proposal aimed at weakening military rule

The military council that took power in Chad last month has named a transitional government. The military rule came into Chad after the shock death of veteran leader Idriss Deby.

Chad military council names transitional government, opposition remains unconvinced

A group of Buddhist monks marched against Myanmar's military junta on Tuesday, joining a campaign for an end to the generals' rule and for the release of detained leaders of the ousted elected government, including Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

About 20 monks in dark red robes walked through the streets of the main city of Yangon to a United Nations office, urging citizens to join their protest.&nbsp;

"I would like to request that all citizens help eliminate the power of the military dictatorship until we can get rid of this system," said one of the protesting monks, Sandar Thiri.&nbsp;

Monks held an English-language banner with the message: 'Monks. who don't want a military dictatorship'.&nbsp;

Some wore red masks to ward off the coronavirus and carried signs saying 'reject military coup'.&nbsp;

Thousands of people from all walks of life have come out onto the streets of towns and cities across the country to protest against the February 1 military overthrow of the government of veteran democracy champion Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-chokes-internet-for-second-consecutive-night-amid-protests-363909">Myanmar military chokes internet for second consecutive night amid protests</a>

Historically, monks in the predominately Buddhist country have helped organise communities, and at times led opposition to authority, in particular during British colonial rule.&nbsp;

Big pro-democracy protests in 2007 were called the 'Saffron Revolution' because of the prominent involvement of monks.&nbsp;

Those protests, though suppressed, ultimately led to the military's decision to gradually withdraw from politics, a process brought to a halt by this month's coup.&nbsp;

The army took power alleging that its complaints of fraud in a November 8 general election, in which Suu Kyi's party had won a landslide, were being ignored.&nbsp;

It guaranteed on Tuesday that it would hold an election and hand over power, denied its removal of the government was a coup or that its leaders were detained, and accused protesters of violence and intimidation.

A group of Buddhist monks marched against Myanmar's military junta on Tuesday, joining a campaign for an end to the generals' rule and for the release of detained leaders of the ousted elected government, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

A group of Buddhist monks marched against Myanmar's military junta on Tuesday, joining a campaign for an end to the generals' rule and for the release of detained leaders of the ousted elected government, including Aung San Suu Kyi. About 20 monks in dark red robes walked through the streets of the main city of Yangon to a United Nations office, urging citizens to join their protest. "I would like to request that all citizens help eliminate the power of the military dictatorship until we can get rid of this system," said one of the protesting monks, Sandar Thiri. Monks held an English-language banner with the message: 'Monks. who don't want a military dictatorship'. Some wore red masks to ward off the coronavirus and carried signs saying 'reject military coup'. Thousands of people from all walks of life have come out onto the streets of towns and cities across the country to protest against the February 1 military overthrow of the government of veteran democracy champion Suu Kyi. Also Read: Myanmar military chokes internet for second consecutive night amid protests Historically, monks in the predominately Buddhist country have helped organise communities, and at times led opposition to authority, in particular during British colonial rule. Big pro-democracy protests in 2007 were called the 'Saffron Revolution' because of the prominent involvement of monks. Those protests, though suppressed, ultimately led to the military's decision to gradually withdraw from politics, a process brought to a halt by this month's coup. The army took power alleging that its complaints of fraud in a November 8 general election, in which Suu Kyi's party had won a landslide, were being ignored. It guaranteed on Tuesday that it would hold an election and hand over power, denied its removal of the government was a coup or that its leaders were detained, and accused protesters of violence and intimidation.

Myanmar monks march, seek end to military rule

Myanmar’s military has taken power for a year after declaring a state of emergency in response to its claims of election fraud.

Governments around the globe condemn Myanmar’s military coup

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha formally resigned as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-parliament-elects-coup-leader-prayut-chan-ocha-as-prime-minister-224805">the head of the military</a> government on Monday, saying the country would function as a normal democracy after five years of military rule.

Prayuth stays on as prime minister with the backing of pro-military parties in parliament and a military-appointed upper house under a constitution that critics say stifles democracy and enshrines a political role for the military.

Prayuth, in a televised address to the nation, said military rule had brought<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-newly-crowned-king-praises-unity-in-final-coronation-days-speech-216439"> success in many areas</a>, from fixing the problem of illegal fishing and human trafficking, to the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped in a flooded cave last year.

The former army chief who seized power in a 2014 coup, said the intervention then had been necessary to restore order after six months of street protests and violent clashes, but things were getting back to normal after a March 24 election.

"Thailand is now fully a democratic country with a constitutional monarchy, with a parliament whose members are elected," Prayuth said.

"All problems will be addressed normally based on a democratic system with no use of special powers," he said, referring to sweeping powers the military government wielded.

Last week, Prayuth used those powers for one last time to end various restrictions on media. He also transferred civilian legal cases from military to civilian court though he retained the power to let security forces carry out searches and make arrests unchallenged.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn last week endorsed Prayuth's new civilian cabinet, drawn from a 19-party coalition government that holds a slim majority in parliament.

Thailand has seen intermittent bouts of political turmoil and violence - as well as two military coups - over the past 15 years as new political forces drawing support from the countryside have challenged the Bangkok-based military-royalist establishment.

People are generally cautious about what the new set-up might bring.

"We have to see their work first," Noppawan Hiranpruk, 47, a market vendor said.

"It's OK to have old faces provided they have new ideas to make new things happen," she said.

The new government will officially take power after a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday. It is due to present its policies to parliament next week.

 
&nbsp;

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha formally resigned as the head of the military government on Monday, saying the country would function as a normal democracy after five years of military rule.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha formally resigned as the head of the military government on Monday, saying the country would function as a normal democracy after five years of military rule. Prayuth stays on as prime minister with the backing of pro-military parties in parliament and a military-appointed upper house under a constitution that critics say stifles democracy and enshrines a political role for the military. Prayuth, in a televised address to the nation, said military rule had brought success in many areas, from fixing the problem of illegal fishing and human trafficking, to the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped in a flooded cave last year. The former army chief who seized power in a 2014 coup, said the intervention then had been necessary to restore order after six months of street protests and violent clashes, but things were getting back to normal after a March 24 election. "Thailand is now fully a democratic country with a constitutional monarchy, with a parliament whose members are elected," Prayuth said. "All problems will be addressed normally based on a democratic system with no use of special powers," he said, referring to sweeping powers the military government wielded. Last week, Prayuth used those powers for one last time to end various restrictions on media. He also transferred civilian legal cases from military to civilian court though he retained the power to let security forces carry out searches and make arrests unchallenged. King Maha Vajiralongkorn last week endorsed Prayuth's new civilian cabinet, drawn from a 19-party coalition government that holds a slim majority in parliament. Thailand has seen intermittent bouts of political turmoil and violence - as well as two military coups - over the past 15 years as new political forces drawing support from the countryside have challenged the Bangkok-based military-royalist establishment. People are generally cautious about what the new set-up might bring. "We have to see their work first," Noppawan Hiranpruk, 47, a market vendor said. "It's OK to have old faces provided they have new ideas to make new things happen," she said. The new government will officially take power after a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday. It is due to present its policies to parliament next week.

Country now fully democratic, says Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha after resigning as military head

The protestors in Sudan on Monday has demanded to end the ruling military council over the country and to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protesters-demand-immediate-civilian-rule-to-bring-ousted-leader-omar-al-bashir-to-justice-210443">replace by a civilian one with representatives</a> from the army.

"We want the military council to be dissolved and be replaced by a civilian council having representatives of the army," Mohamed Naji, a senior leader of the Sudanese Professionals Association, told reporters.

Though the military leaders had announced earlier that they will not extradite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-ousted-president-bashirs-party-urges-release-of-leaders-report-210152">ousted president Omar al-Bashir</a>, still the protests continued to demand Bashir should be brought to justice.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued two arrest warrants against Bashir accusing him of organising war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's Dafur region between 2003 and 2008.

The protestors in Sudan on Monday has demanded to end the ruling military council over the country and to replace by a civilian one with representatives from the army.

The protestors in Sudan on Monday has demanded to end the ruling military council over the country and to replace by a civilian one with representatives from the army. "We want the military council to be dissolved and be replaced by a civilian council having representatives of the army," Mohamed Naji, a senior leader of the Sudanese Professionals Association, told reporters. Though the military leaders had announced earlier that they will not extradite ousted president Omar al-Bashir, still the protests continued to demand Bashir should be brought to justice. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued two arrest warrants against Bashir accusing him of organising war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's Dafur region between 2003 and 2008.

Protesters demand dissolving of ruling military council in Sudan

November 2017 will go down in the history of Zimbabwe as the beginning of the end of Robert Mugabe&rsquo;s 37-year tyranny. A tumultuous week finally culminated in his resignation on November 21st. One cannot understate the widespread jubilation at the demise of Mugabe and his desire to create a dynasty for himself through his wife Grace.

But the optimism is misplaced because it doesn&rsquo;t deal directly with the dearth of democracy in Zimbabwe.

First, contrary to popular sentiment that the coup was meant to usher in a new era of political liberalisation and democracy, the takeover is actually meant to deal with a succession crisis in Zanu-PF. The military made this clear when it said that it was dealing with criminals around Mugabe. And the party&rsquo;s secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa indicated that removing Mugabe from the party&rsquo;s Central Committee was an internal party matter.

Secondly, I would argue that the military resorted to a &ldquo;smart coup&rdquo; only after its preferred candidate to succeed Mugabe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, was fired from the party and government.

The way in which the military has gone about executing its plan upends any conventional understanding of what constitutes a coup d&#39;etat. It&rsquo;s a &ldquo;smart coup&rdquo; in the sense that the military combined the frustrations of a restive population, internal party structures and international sympathy to remove a sitting president. It thereby gained legitimacy for an otherwise partisan and unconstitutional political act &ndash; toppling an elected government.

This begs the question: Is the military now intervening for the collective good or for its own interests?

Why the military intervened

It is baffling to imagine how the military has suddenly become the champion of democracy and regime change in Zimbabwe.

It&rsquo;s clear that what motivated the military commanders was a fear of losing their jobs and influence after their preferred successor was purged. They launched a preemptive strike against Mugabe to safeguard their own selfish interests as a military class and the future of their careers.

Given the symbiotic relationship between the Zimbabwean military and the ruling Zanu-PF party, it was inevitable that the top commanders would be embroiled in the party&rsquo;s succession crisis. After all, the military has been the key lever behind the power of both Mugabe and his ruling Zanu-PF since 1980.

In the past they have acted as part of the Zanu-PF machinery, openly campaigning for Mugabe alongside other security agencies.

And they have played a key role in neutralising political opponents. Back in the 1980s, the military was responsible for the massacre of thousands of civilians and Zapu supporters in Matebeleland. More than two decades later in 2008, they were responsible for the torture, death and disappearance of 200 opposition activists and the maiming of hundreds more.

In addition, the UN has implicated Mnangagwa and the generals in the illegal plundering of resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They have also been fingered in the disappearance of diamond revenues from Zimbabwe&rsquo;s Marange diamond fields.

On top of this, the military and Zanu-PF share a special relationship that has its roots in the liberation struggle. The Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu) was the political wing of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (Zanla) during the liberation war. They, therefore, have vested interests in the survival of the party.

After independence, the relationship remained intact as the military became the guarantors of the revolution. Some of the same surviving commanders of Zanla are still senior high ranking officials. The commanders are also bona fide members of the ruling party and guarantors of Zanu-PF power.

The same securocrats are also members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association. This quasi-paramilitary group is an auxiliary association of the ruling party and has fiercely opposed Mugabe&rsquo;s attempt to create a dynasty.

Military must step aside

Zimbabwe goes to the polls next July to choose a new president and parliament. The elections &ndash; if conducted in a credible way &ndash; will provide the next government with the legitimacy it needs to take the country out of its political and economic crises.

Now that Mugabe has resigned the hope is that the military will allow a genuinely democratic transition to take place. All political players, including opposition parties, would need to be incorporated into a broad-based transitional authority pending credible elections.

But for the elections to be credible, the transitional authority would need urgently to reform the electoral system. This would ensure Zimbabweans can freely and fairly choose their leaders. Without this, peace and prosperity will continue to elude Zimbabwe.

In the long run, the military would do well to get out of politics instead of continuing to view itself as &ldquo;stockholders&rdquo; in the country&rsquo;s political affairs because of its liberation struggle credentials.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/zimbabwe-beware-the-military-is-looking-after-its-own-interests-not-democracy-87712" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Image Credit: EPA

Elections, conducted in a credible way, will provide the next government with the legitimacy it needs to take the country out of its political and economic crises

November 2017 will go down in the history of Zimbabwe as the beginning of the end of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year tyranny. A tumultuous week finally culminated in his resignation on November 21st. One cannot understate the widespread jubilation at the demise of Mugabe and his desire to create a dynasty for himself through his wife Grace. But the optimism is misplaced because it doesn’t deal directly with the dearth of democracy in Zimbabwe. First, contrary to popular sentiment that the coup was meant to usher in a new era of political liberalisation and democracy, the takeover is actually meant to deal with a succession crisis in Zanu-PF. The military made this clear when it said that it was dealing with criminals around Mugabe. And the party’s secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa indicated that removing Mugabe from the party’s Central Committee was an internal party matter. Secondly, I would argue that the military resorted to a “smart coup” only after its preferred candidate to succeed Mugabe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, was fired from the party and government. The way in which the military has gone about executing its plan upends any conventional understanding of what constitutes a coup d'etat. It’s a “smart coup” in the sense that the military combined the frustrations of a restive population, internal party structures and international sympathy to remove a sitting president. It thereby gained legitimacy for an otherwise partisan and unconstitutional political act – toppling an elected government. This begs the question: Is the military now intervening for the collective good or for its own interests? Why the military intervened It is baffling to imagine how the military has suddenly become the champion of democracy and regime change in Zimbabwe. It’s clear that what motivated the military commanders was a fear of losing their jobs and influence after their preferred successor was purged. They launched a preemptive strike against Mugabe to safeguard their own selfish interests as a military class and the future of their careers. Given the symbiotic relationship between the Zimbabwean military and the ruling Zanu-PF party, it was inevitable that the top commanders would be embroiled in the party’s succession crisis. After all, the military has been the key lever behind the power of both Mugabe and his ruling Zanu-PF since 1980. In the past they have acted as part of the Zanu-PF machinery, openly campaigning for Mugabe alongside other security agencies. And they have played a key role in neutralising political opponents. Back in the 1980s, the military was responsible for the massacre of thousands of civilians and Zapu supporters in Matebeleland. More than two decades later in 2008, they were responsible for the torture, death and disappearance of 200 opposition activists and the maiming of hundreds more. In addition, the UN has implicated Mnangagwa and the generals in the illegal plundering of resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They have also been fingered in the disappearance of diamond revenues from Zimbabwe’s Marange diamond fields. On top of this, the military and Zanu-PF share a special relationship that has its roots in the liberation struggle. The Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu) was the political wing of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (Zanla) during the liberation war. They, therefore, have vested interests in the survival of the party. After independence, the relationship remained intact as the military became the guarantors of the revolution. Some of the same surviving commanders of Zanla are still senior high ranking officials. The commanders are also bona fide members of the ruling party and guarantors of Zanu-PF power. The same securocrats are also members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association. This quasi-paramilitary group is an auxiliary association of the ruling party and has fiercely opposed Mugabe’s attempt to create a dynasty. Military must step aside Zimbabwe goes to the polls next July to choose a new president and parliament. The elections – if conducted in a credible way – will provide the next government with the legitimacy it needs to take the country out of its political and economic crises. Now that Mugabe has resigned the hope is that the military will allow a genuinely democratic transition to take place. All political players, including opposition parties, would need to be incorporated into a broad-based transitional authority pending credible elections. But for the elections to be credible, the transitional authority would need urgently to reform the electoral system. This would ensure Zimbabweans can freely and fairly choose their leaders. Without this, peace and prosperity will continue to elude Zimbabwe. In the long run, the military would do well to get out of politics instead of continuing to view itself as “stockholders” in the country’s political affairs because of its liberation struggle credentials. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity). Image Credit: EPA

Opinion: Zimbabwe's military is securing its own interests

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, an NFL free agent who last year began the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-the-us-sports-stars-are-not-standing-up-during-the-national-anthem-20725" target="_blank"> kneeling protest during US anthems</a> that became a major controversy, has filed a collusion grievance against the NFL.

Six weeks into the NFL season the 29-year-old Kaepernick is still without a job despite a number of job openings created by injuries to other quarterbacks.&nbsp;

Kaepernick and his lawyer, Mark Geragos, are claiming the owners violated terms of the collective bargaining agreement, specifically a clause that prohibits teams from acting together in regards to a player&#39;s employment status.

He filed his grievance&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;just days before the owners are scheduled to meet in New York.

&quot;We can confirm that this morning we filed a grievance under the CBA on behalf of Colin Kaepernick,&quot; Geragos said in a statement. &quot;This was done only after pursuing every possible avenue with all NFL teams and their executives.&nbsp;

&quot;If the NFL (as well as all professional sports leagues) is to remain a meritocracy, then principled and peaceful political protests -- which the owners themselves made great theater imitating weeks ago -- should not be punished and athletes should not be denied employment based on partisan political provocation by the Executive Branch of our government.&nbsp;

&quot;Such a precedent threatens all patriotic Americans and harkens back to our darkest days as a nation. Protecting all athletes from such collusive conduct is what compelled Mr. Kaepernick to file his grievance.&quot;&nbsp;

Kaepernick, who spent six seasons with the 49ers, appears ready to go to court rather than go through the players union with his grievance claim.

Kaepernick claims owners have colluded to keep him out of the league because of his kneeling protests during the playing of &quot;The Star-Spangled Banner&quot; last year.

Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers in March but found no team willing to sign him despite past successes that included leading the 49ers to the 2013 Super Bowl, where they lost to Baltimore 34-31.

Tensions were raised about the kneeling when US President Donald Trump last month called any NFL player kneeling during the anthem a &quot;son of a bitch&quot; and said they should be fired.

Owners to meet&nbsp;

That has prompted a rise in the number of players who kneel or link arms in a sign of unity over the past four weeks and set the stage for league executives and owners to talk about the matter in depth next week at regularly scheduled club owners meetings.

The NFL players association responded&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;with a statement offering Kaepernick its support and reiterating that it is prepared to assist him, &quot;as we do all players.&quot;

US Vice President Mike Pence walked out on an NFL game last weekend in Indianapolis when about 20 players for the 49ers kneeled during the anthem, a move Trump later took credit for on Twitter.

The US media reported earlier this month that Kaepernick has been ready to work out in private for NFL teams and sought to be judged only as a player while staying quiet during the controversy to avoid becoming a distraction.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has denied the league has deliberately kept Kaepernick off of rosters, but as quarterbacks have become injured in recent weeks he had not been given a tryout.

Kaepernick has completed nearly 60 percent of his career NFL passes for 12,271 yards and 72 touchdowns with 30 interceptions over 69 NFL games.

And 27 per cent of them wanted a strong leader

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, an NFL free agent who last year began the kneeling protest during US anthems that became a major controversy, has filed a collusion grievance against the NFL. Six weeks into the NFL season the 29-year-old Kaepernick is still without a job despite a number of job openings created by injuries to other quarterbacks. Kaepernick and his lawyer, Mark Geragos, are claiming the owners violated terms of the collective bargaining agreement, specifically a clause that prohibits teams from acting together in regards to a player's employment status. He filed his grievance on Sunday just days before the owners are scheduled to meet in New York. "We can confirm that this morning we filed a grievance under the CBA on behalf of Colin Kaepernick," Geragos said in a statement. "This was done only after pursuing every possible avenue with all NFL teams and their executives. "If the NFL (as well as all professional sports leagues) is to remain a meritocracy, then principled and peaceful political protests -- which the owners themselves made great theater imitating weeks ago -- should not be punished and athletes should not be denied employment based on partisan political provocation by the Executive Branch of our government. "Such a precedent threatens all patriotic Americans and harkens back to our darkest days as a nation. Protecting all athletes from such collusive conduct is what compelled Mr. Kaepernick to file his grievance." Kaepernick, who spent six seasons with the 49ers, appears ready to go to court rather than go through the players union with his grievance claim. Kaepernick claims owners have colluded to keep him out of the league because of his kneeling protests during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" last year. Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers in March but found no team willing to sign him despite past successes that included leading the 49ers to the 2013 Super Bowl, where they lost to Baltimore 34-31. Tensions were raised about the kneeling when US President Donald Trump last month called any NFL player kneeling during the anthem a "son of a bitch" and said they should be fired. Owners to meet That has prompted a rise in the number of players who kneel or link arms in a sign of unity over the past four weeks and set the stage for league executives and owners to talk about the matter in depth next week at regularly scheduled club owners meetings. The NFL players association responded Sunday with a statement offering Kaepernick its support and reiterating that it is prepared to assist him, "as we do all players." US Vice President Mike Pence walked out on an NFL game last weekend in Indianapolis when about 20 players for the 49ers kneeled during the anthem, a move Trump later took credit for on Twitter. The US media reported earlier this month that Kaepernick has been ready to work out in private for NFL teams and sought to be judged only as a player while staying quiet during the controversy to avoid becoming a distraction. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has denied the league has deliberately kept Kaepernick off of rosters, but as quarterbacks have become injured in recent weeks he had not been given a tryout. Kaepernick has completed nearly 60 percent of his career NFL passes for 12,271 yards and 72 touchdowns with 30 interceptions over 69 NFL games.

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