2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état attempt — overthrow of the Mugabe Regime in Zimbabwe
The 2017 Zimbabwean military intervention ended Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule and transferred power to Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Key Facts
- Date troops moved into Harare
- 14 November 2017
- Mugabe's age at removal
- 93 years
- ZANU-PF deadline to resign
- 20 November 2017
- Mugabe resignation date
- 21 November 2017
- Mnangagwa sworn in
- 24 November 2017
- ZDF commander who issued warning
- Constantino Chiwenga
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tensions within ZANU-PF over presidential succession intensified between Emmerson Mnangagwa, backed by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, and First Lady Grace Mugabe, backed by the younger G40 faction. When Mugabe fired Mnangagwa and forced him to flee the country, ZDF chief Constantino Chiwenga publicly warned that purges of senior party officials must stop.
On the night of 14 November 2017, Zimbabwe Defence Forces units seized control of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and key areas of Harare. The ZDF denied it was a coup, stating Mugabe was safe, while South African President Jacob Zuma confirmed Mugabe was under house arrest. On 19 November, ZANU-PF stripped Mugabe of the party leadership and gave him a deadline to resign the presidency or face impeachment.
After Parliament convened a joint impeachment session on 21 November, Mugabe submitted a resignation letter, ending his 37-year presidency. Second Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko briefly served as Acting President, and Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as President of Zimbabwe on 24 November 2017.