T. Muswede and M.P. Sebola

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-7092.2019.08.134

Published: 31 December 2019

Abstract: The article conceptually examines the political role played by the military in aiding the transition and eventual transfer of power in Zimbabwe after the 37 year rule by veteran nationalist Robert Mugabe in November 2017. It reflects on Mugabe’s presidency and the implementation of controversial macro-economic policies which led to an unsustainable government with the highest inflation and unemployment levels in non-conflict zones globally. Due to Mugabe’s old age and fragile health, political posturing and opportunism had become rife in the ruling ZANU PF party leading to purging and possible anarchy. This invoked discontent within the army ranks who subsequently intervened, ostensibly to deal with corrupt elements around the presidency. Social contract theory was adopted to explicate the relationship between the Zimbabwean leadership and the masses in the context of good governance. Both broadcast and print media reports were used to provide narrative evidence regarding the military’s actions. Reference to policy documents was done to examine the effect of the military intervention by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) on civil society, government and ZANU PF in the context of constitutional imperatives. The article argues that, despite its controversial outlook, military intervention may provide a fresh impetus in the power transfer dynamics in Africa, particularly where leaders have overstepped their social contract with the people.

Keywords: Democracy, governance, military, power, Zimbabwe.

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