2017 Zimbabwean coup d'état

== Timeline of events ==
===Tuesday, 14 November===

Military armoured vehicles were spotted on roadways around [[Harare]], the capital of Zimbabwe,<ref name=":0" /> and drove in convoys through the city.<ref name=":4" /> The same day, [[Kudzanayi Chipanga]], the leader of the ruling ZANU–PF party's youth league, which is aligned with Grace Mugabe,<ref name=":6" /> said that the Youth League was "ready to die" to try to prevent the army from deposing Mugabe and choosing a new leader,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/zimbabwe-zanu-pf-youth-wing-ready-die-mugabe-171114133805737.html|title=Zimbabwe: ZANU–PF youth wing 'ready to die' for Mugabe|last=Mohamed|first=Hamza|date=14 November 2017|publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]|access-date=15 November 2017|archive-date=14 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114213037/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/zimbabwe-zanu-pf-youth-wing-ready-die-mugabe-171114133805737.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and that the generals should retire if they were unsatisfied with Mugabe's rule and wanted to become politicians.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/14/world/africa/zimbabwe-mugabe-mnangagwa-chiwenga.html|title=Zimbabwe's Military, in Apparent Takeover, Says It Has Custody of Mugabe|last1=Moyo|first1=Jeffrey|date=14 November 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=15 November 2017|last2=Onishi|first2=Norimitsu|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224045734/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/14/world/africa/zimbabwe-mugabe-mnangagwa-chiwenga.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Mugabe attended a weekly meeting of [[Cabinet of Zimbabwe|the Zimbabwe cabinet]] on Tuesday afternoon. In the early evening after the cabinet meeting, Khaya-Moyo spoke for ZANU–PF and accused Chiwenga of treason and inciting insurrection.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/tank-convoy-seen-outside-zimbabwe-capital-172532141.html|title=Military takes to streets in Zimbabwe but denies coup|last=Mashavave|first=Reagan|date=14 November 2017|work=[[Yahoo News]]|access-date=15 November 2017|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|language=en-SG|archive-date=14 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114200223/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/tank-convoy-seen-outside-zimbabwe-capital-172532141.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

That evening, soldiers took over the Harare offices of the state broadcaster, the [[Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation]] (ZBC), manhandling some of its employees. Workers at the ZBC were later told that they did not have to worry and that the troops were protecting the station.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41992351|title=Zimbabwe crisis: Army takes over, says Mugabe is safe|date=15 November 2017|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=15 November 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115014340/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41992351|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the military, the reason for its actions was that the ZBC had been ordered not to broadcast the military's statement on Monday.<ref name=":4" />

Around 10:30&nbsp;pm, Albert Ngulube, director of security of the Zimbabwean [[Central Intelligence Organisation]], was arrested by soldiers after leaving Mugabe's home.<ref name="ST02">{{Cite news|title=The night the tanks rumbled in|last1=wa Afrika|first1=Mzilikazi|last2=Ndlovu|first2=Ray|date=19 November 2017|work=The Sunday Times|location=South Africa|publisher=Times Media Group}}</ref>{{rp|6}} He was beaten up at the [[Presidential Guard (Zimbabwe)|Presidential Guard]] headquarters and was released on Friday, 17 November for medical treatment at a private hospital in the capital.<ref name=ST02/>{{rp|6}}

===Wednesday, 15 November===

The army then proceeded to raid the homes of twenty other people.<ref name=ST02/>{{rp|6}} Minister of Higher Education [[Jonathan Moyo]] was tipped off by a member of the army on early Wednesday morning and fled to the house of [[Saviour Kasukuwere]], Minister of Local Government, and his family.<ref name=ST02/>{{rp|6}} That home was then attacked by the army around 2.30&nbsp;am with gunfire before a ceasefire allowed the two families to escape to Mugabe's home.<ref name=ST02/>{{rp|6}} The army also raided the home of Finance Minister [[Ignatius Chombo]], but they came under fire from his private Israeli security guards.<ref name=ST02/>{{rp|6}} One member of the guard was killed.<ref name=ST02/>{{rp|6}} Chombo was detained and assaulted by the troops; US$10&nbsp;million in cash was found in the house.<ref name=ST02/>{{rp|6}} Police duties had been restricted and Police Commissioner [[Augustine Chihuri]] was missing, presumed arrested.<ref name=ST02/>{{rp|6}}

At 5&nbsp;am [[Major General]] [[Sibusiso Moyo]], the army chief of staff and an ally of Chiwenga's, spoke on behalf of the [[Zimbabwe Defence Forces]] in a broadcast on ZBC.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KClcw5KPBqE|title=Mugabe is 'safe and sound' Zimbabwe's army says|date=15 November 2017|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=15 November 2017|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119140642/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KClcw5KPBqE|url-status=live}}</ref> Moyo asserted that it was not a military takeover and that President Mugabe was safe. However, the statement also said that the military was "targeting criminals" around Mugabe responsible for the country's socio-economic problems, and that after they achieved their aims, the situation would "return to normalcy".<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/15/the-situation-has-moved-to-another-level-zimbabwe-army-statement-in-full|title='The situation has moved to another level': Zimbabwe army statement in full|last=Guardian staff|date=15 November 2017|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=15 November 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115062322/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/15/the-situation-has-moved-to-another-level-zimbabwe-army-statement-in-full|url-status=live}}</ref> Moyo announced that all military leave was cancelled, soldiers should return to their [[barracks]], security forces should "cooperate for the good of our country", and that "any provocation will be met with an appropriate response".<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/14/tensions-rise-in-zimbabwe-as-military-drives-through-outskirts-of-capital|title=Military urges calm in Zimbabwe after it seizes key sites in capital|last=Burke|first=Jason|date=15 November 2017|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=15 November 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818000322/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/14/tensions-rise-in-zimbabwe-as-military-drives-through-outskirts-of-capital|url-status=live}}</ref> Moyo also said that the independence of the [[judiciary of Zimbabwe]] was guaranteed and that citizens should remain calm and avoid unnecessary movement.<ref name=":0" />

After the speech, the military apprehended [[Ignatius Chombo]], the Zimbabwean [[Ministry of Finance (Zimbabwe)|finance minister]] and a leader of G40, the pro-Grace Mugabe faction of ZANU–PF.<ref name=":4" /> According to South Africa's ''[[The Times (South Africa)|The Times]]'', other cabinet ministers seized who were leaders in G40 included Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukuwere.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2017-11-15-zimbabwe-ministers-arrested/|title=Zimbabwe ministers arrested|last=Ndlovu|first=Ray|date=15 November 2017|work=[[The Times (South Africa)|The Times]]|access-date=15 November 2017|language=en-SA|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115140437/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2017-11-15-zimbabwe-ministers-arrested/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Also early that morning, gunfire and [[artillery]] were heard in the northern suburbs of Harare, where many government officials, including the president, had their residences.<ref name=":0" /> According to [[Agence France-Presse]], a witness heard sustained gunfire near Mugabe's private home in the suburb of [[Borrowdale, Harare|Borrowdale]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> [[Reuters]] reported an explosion close to the main campus of the [[University of Zimbabwe]].<ref name=":4" /> Soldiers also blocked access to the [[Parliament of Zimbabwe]], government buildings, courthouses, and the president's official residence in Harare.<ref name=":4" /> It was reported that two journalists were assaulted by the military and hospitalised.<ref name="news24journo">{{Cite web |url=https://www.news24.com/Africa/Zimbabwe/mugabe-under-heavy-guard-as-situation-deteriorates-in-zim-20171115 |title=Mugabe under 'heavy guard' as situation deteriorates in Zim |last=Chikowore |first=Frank |date=15 November 2017 |website=News24 |access-date=15 November 2017 |archive-date=15 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115112730/https://www.news24.com/Africa/Zimbabwe/mugabe-under-heavy-guard-as-situation-deteriorates-in-zim-20171115 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The military announced a press conference for Wednesday morning, where it was expected that the responsible officers would present a deal with President Mugabe that settled his fate and that of his allies. However, the conference was delayed and then cancelled outright, possibly because of a breakdown in negotiations between Mugabe and the military.<ref name=":11" />

For most of Wednesday morning, state-controlled television and radio stations simply rebroadcast Moyo's statement without further news updates, and played patriotic songs from the 1980s about independence alongside normal programming. State-owned newspaper ''[[The Herald (Zimbabwe)|The Herald]]'' ran headlines downplaying the military's actions and its website ran a live blog under the headline "Live and developing: No Military Takeover in Zim".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42001242|title=Zimbabwe media slow to cover takeover|last=BBC Monitoring|date=15 November 2017|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=15 November 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116071751/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42001242|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.herald.co.zw/latest-developing-no-military-takeover-in-zim/|title=LIVE: No Military Takeover in Zimbabwe|last=Machivenyika|first=Farirai|date=15 November 2017|work=[[The Herald (Zimbabwe)|The Herald]]|publisher=herald.co.zw|access-date=15 November 2017|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115180410/http://www.herald.co.zw/latest-developing-no-military-takeover-in-zim/|url-status=live}}</ref>

By Wednesday afternoon, the roadblocks around key government buildings in Harare had been removed, armoured vehicles were off the streets, and there was no longer extra security in the Borrowdale suburb, where most senior officials had their private homes. Although there was less overall traffic in the city, ordinary activities like school, administrative offices, and businesses returned to normal. Outside Harare, including [[Bulawayo]], the country's second-largest city, Zimbabweans experienced little to no added military presence.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/15/harare-wakes-up-to-new-era-zimbabwe-coup-robert-mugabe|title='Like a dream': Harare wakes up to new era after a very low-key coup|date=15 November 2017|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=15 November 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115202020/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/15/harare-wakes-up-to-new-era-zimbabwe-coup-robert-mugabe|url-status=live}}</ref>

The same day, ZBC broadcast an apology from ZANU–PF youth wing leader Kudzai Chipanga to General Chiwenga, whom he had criticised the day before. Chipanga said that he made his statement voluntarily and that he and other members of the youth league "are still young and make mistakes".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zimbabwe-politics-youth/youth-leader-of-zimbabwes-ruling-party-apologizes-to-military-on-state-tv-idUSKBN1DF337|title=Youth leader of Zimbabwe's ruling party apologizes to military on state TV|date=15 November 2017|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=16 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116014645/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-zimbabwe-politics-youth/youth-leader-of-zimbabwes-ruling-party-apologizes-to-military-on-state-tv-idUSKBN1DF337|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42006777|title=Zimbabwe awaits next steps after takeover|date=16 November 2017|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=16 November 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116093812/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42006777|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zbc.co.zw/2017/11/15/cde-chipanga-apologises-to-zdf/|title=Cde Chipanga apologises to ZDF Commander|date=15 November 2017|website=[[Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation]]|url-status=dead|access-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116100833/http://www.zbc.co.zw/2017/11/15/cde-chipanga-apologises-to-zdf/|archive-date=16 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[File:Morgan Tsvangirai Oslo 2009 A.jpg|thumb|upright=0.68|[[Morgan Tsvangirai]]]]
[[Morgan Tsvangirai]], the former prime minister and leader of the main opposition party [[Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai]], who had won 42% of the popular vote against Mugabe's 56.2% in the [[Zimbabwean presidential election, 2002|2002 presidential election]], returned from receiving cancer treatments abroad.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/16/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-wife-grace-insisting-finishes-term-priest/|title=Zimbabwe coup: Robert Mugabe and wife Grace 'insisting he finishes his term', as priest steps in to mediate|date=16 November 2017|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=16 November 2017|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116122822/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/16/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-wife-grace-insisting-finishes-term-priest/|url-status=live}}</ref> Soon after his return to the country, Tsvangirai called for Mugabe to step down.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42020416|title=Mugabe 'resisting calls to stand down'|date=16 November 2017|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=16 November 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117005320/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42020416|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Thursday, 16 November===

ZANU–PF MP and government minister [[Paul Chimedza]] was arrested at an army roadblock in [[Bubi District|Bubi]] while attempting to flee to South Africa.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/11/breaking-masvingo-minister-chimedza-arrested/|title=Breaking: Masvingo minister Chimedza arrested|date=16 November 2017|work=NewsDay Zimbabwe|access-date=16 November 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119140644/https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/11/breaking-masvingo-minister-chimedza-arrested/|url-status=live}}</ref> In Harare, armoured vehicles remained at key locations.<ref name=":13" />

===Friday, 17 November===

Mugabe presided at a graduation ceremony at [[Zimbabwe Open University]].<ref name="McKenzie">{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/17/africa/zimbabwe-unrest/index.html|title=Zimbabwe's Mugabe emerges from house arrest in political uncertainty|last1=McKenzie|first1=David|date=17 November 2017|publisher=CNN|access-date=17 November 2017|last2=McKirdy|first2=Euan|last3=Dewan|first3=Angela|archive-date=17 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117110043/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/17/africa/zimbabwe-unrest/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Saturday, 18 November===
[[File:Citizens In the Streets of Harare, Zimbabwe, November 19, 2017.jpg|thumb|Citizens in the streets of Harare, 19 November 2017]]
There were well-attended and exuberant but peaceful public demonstrations in Harare and in all major towns in the country, supporting the actions of the army and celebrating the apparent end of Mugabe's presidency. Demonstrators also massed outside his office calling on him to quit.<ref>{{cite news|title=Zimbabwe latest: Thousands celebrate end of Mugabe era|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42035981|publisher=BBC|date=18 November 2017|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-date=26 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726215423/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42035981|url-status=live}}</ref> Protesters booed and jeered a motorcade that left Mugabe's residence, although a security source stated that Mugabe was not travelling.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zimbabwe-politics-motorcade-mugabe/zimbabwes-mugabe-not-in-motorcade-that-left-his-residence-source-idUSKBN1DI0MS |title= Zimbabwe's Mugabe not in motorcade that left his residence: source |work= Reuters |date= 18 November 2017 |access-date= 18 November 2017 |archive-date= 18 November 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171118223202/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zimbabwe-politics-motorcade-mugabe/zimbabwes-mugabe-not-in-motorcade-that-left-his-residence-source-idUSKBN1DI0MS |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Sunday, 19 November ===

Mugabe was sacked by his party, and his wife and 20 of her associates were expelled as party members. However, in a speech delivered in Harare and broadcast on state television around the country, Mugabe ignored the party's actions and the political pressure around him, declining to resign and saying he would preside over the upcoming party conference.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/zimbabwes-ruling-party-dismisses-mugabe-as-its-leader-in-another-blow-to-his-presidency/2017/11/19/6a0d52d8-ccb1-11e7-b506-8a10ed11ecf5_story.html|title=Mugabe defies all expectations and declines to resign as Zimbabwe's president|last=Sieff|first=Kevin|date=19 November 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=19 November 2017|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=19 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119141452/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/zimbabwes-ruling-party-dismisses-mugabe-as-its-leader-in-another-blow-to-his-presidency/2017/11/19/6a0d52d8-ccb1-11e7-b506-8a10ed11ecf5_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ZANU-PF issued Mugabe a deadline of noon on 20 November to resign or face impeachment.<ref name="nytimes1119">{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/19/world/africa/zimbabwe-robert-mugabe.html | title=Robert Mugabe, in Speech to Zimbabwe, Refuses to Say if He Will Resign | work=The New York Times | date=19 November 2017 | access-date=20 November 2017 | archive-date=19 November 2017 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20171119222140/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/19/world/africa/zimbabwe-robert-mugabe.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Monday, 20 November===
Mugabe ignored the noon deadline for his resignation. [[Paul Mangwana]], ZANU–PF's deputy secretary for legal affairs, said that impeachment could be set in motion as early as the next day.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/20/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-has-drafted-resignation-letter-immunity/|title=Robert Mugabe to face impeachment by Wednesday as 'source of instability'|first1=Roland|last1=Oliphant|first2=Peta|last2=Thornycroft|date=20 November 2017|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-date=20 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120102334/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/20/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-has-drafted-resignation-letter-immunity/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mugabe would be impeached on the basis that he "allowed his wife to usurp constitutional power".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42055726|title=Mugabe 'let wife Grace usurp power'|date=20 November 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=20 November 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=20 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120165250/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42055726|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mangwana announced that party members had "unanimously" agreed to remove Mugabe from office and would work with the opposition MDC party to remove Mugabe in a two-day period.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/world/latest-zimbabwe-military-address-nation-shortly-article-1.3645653|title=The Latest: Zimbabwe army says Mugabe working on 'solution'|website=Daily News|location=New York|access-date=20 November 2017}}</ref> Mangwana also stated that a committee would be set up on 21 November and that the vote for impeachment would occur on 22 November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-21/zimbabwe-impeachment-motion-against-president-robert-mugabe/9172364|title=Zimbabwe's ZANU–PF party sets ball rolling on Mugabe impeachment|date=21 November 2017|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=21 November 2017|archive-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121035557/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-21/zimbabwe-impeachment-motion-against-president-robert-mugabe/9172364|url-status=live}}</ref>

Chiwenga announced in a televised address that Mnangagwa would soon return to Zimbabwe and hold talks with Mugabe, with whom he had now been in contact, and that the military coup, dubbed "Operation Restore Legacy", was progressing well.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-zimbabwe-politics-chiwenga/zimbabwes-mugabe-in-talks-with-ousted-vice-president-army-chief-idUKKBN1DK290?il=0|title=Zimbabwe's Mugabe in talks with ousted vice president – army chief|work=Reuters|access-date=20 November 2017|date=20 November 2017|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119140601/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-zimbabwe-politics-chiwenga/zimbabwes-mugabe-in-talks-with-ousted-vice-president-army-chief-idUKKBN1DK290?il=0|url-status=live}}</ref>

British news agency [[Reuters]] reported that impeachment proceedings would proceed after the ruling ZANU–PF party completed the draft for a motion of impeachment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zimbabwe-politics/zimbabwes-mugabe-faces-impeachment-after-military-takeover-idUSKBN1DK2O0|title=Zimbabwe's Mugabe resigns, ending four decades of rule|date=21 November 2017|website=Reuters.com|access-date=21 November 2017|archive-date=20 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120233337/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zimbabwe-politics/zimbabwes-mugabe-faces-impeachment-after-military-takeover-idUSKBN1DK2O0|url-status=live}}</ref> A copy of the draft, which also included a motion for a no-confidence vote, was obtained by British newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''.<ref name="auto1">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/20/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-has-drafted-resignation-letter-immunity/|title=Robert Mugabe to face impeachment by Wednesday as 'source of instability'|first1=Roland|last1=Oliphant|first2=Peta|last2=Thornycroft|date=20 November 2017|access-date=21 November 2017|newspaper=The Telegraph|archive-date=20 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120202628/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/20/zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-has-drafted-resignation-letter-immunity/|url-status=live}}</ref> Of ZANU–PF's 250 lawmakers, all but 20 at a caucus meeting endorsed the impeachment motion, according to party chairman [[Simon Khaya-Moyo]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Dixon|first=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|date=20 November 2017|title=Zimbabwe's Mugabe may face impeachment after failing to meet resignation deadline|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-zimbabwe-deadline-resign-20171120-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120222630/http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-zimbabwe-deadline-resign-20171120-story.html|archive-date=20 November 2017|access-date=21 November 2017|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|location=Johannesburg}}</ref>

Tsvangirai called for an all-stakeholders meeting to chart the country's future and an internationally supervised process for the forthcoming elections. He said an all-inclusive process to take the country to legitimacy was the only way forward.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://news.pindula.co.zw/2017/11/20/morgan-tsvangirai-calls-internationally-supervised-process-for-elections/ |title= Morgan Tsvangirai Calls For Internationally-Supervised Process For The Forthcoming Elections |newspaper= Pindula News |date= 2017-11-20 |access-date= 2017-11-24 |archive-date= 1 December 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030740/https://news.pindula.co.zw/2017/11/20/morgan-tsvangirai-calls-internationally-supervised-process-for-elections/ |url-status= live |author1= Maveriq }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zimbabwe-politics-opposition/zimbabwe-opposition-wants-inclusive-political-process-after-military-intervention-idUSKBN1DK16W |title= Zimbabwe opposition wants inclusive political process after military intervention |work= [[Reuters]] |date= 20 November 2017 |access-date= 2017-11-24 |archive-date= 20 November 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171120124302/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zimbabwe-politics-opposition/zimbabwe-opposition-wants-inclusive-political-process-after-military-intervention-idUSKBN1DK16W |url-status= live }}</ref>

===Tuesday, 21 November===

In a sitting of the [[House of Assembly (Zimbabwe)|House of Assembly]], Sen. [[Monica Mutsvangwa]] of the ZANU–PF caucus made the motion to convene a joint session of Parliament with the full [[Senate of Zimbabwe|Senate]] for the impeachment of Mugabe, and MP James Maridadi of the MDC-T seconded the motion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.herald.co.zw/live-parliament-sit-to-impeach-president-mugabe/|title=BREAKING NEWS: President Mugabe resigns!... Announcement of a new leader tomorrow|date=21 November 2017|access-date=18 February 2022|work=[[The Herald (Zimbabwe)|The Herald]]}}</ref> The MPs then adjourned to the Harare International Conference Centre for the joint session because the Parliament building could not accommodate a joint sitting.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=euinzim |number=932981487997251584 |title=We are live at HICC, waiting for National Assembly & Senate to start their joint sitting for deliberations on impeachment of Pres. #Mugabe.}}</ref> The joint session was tasked with deciding on impeachment by a majority vote and selecting a nine-member committee to investigate the allegations against Mugabe:

{{blockquote|
# serious misconduct;
# failure to obey, uphold and defend the Constitution;
# willful violation of the Constitution;
# inability to perform the functions of the Office because of physical or mental incapacity.}}

If this committee recommended impeachment, the joint sitting had to approve the recommendation by a two-thirds majority (233 seats of the 347-seat total).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/Africa/Zimbabwe/live-zim-parliament-begins-session-to-remove-mugabe-20171121|title=AS IT HAPPENED: Britain offers help for Zimbabwe after Mugabe 'oppression'|date=21 November 2017|access-date=18 February 2022|work=[[News24 (website)|News24]]}}</ref> However, both major parties supported the motion and controlled all but four seats in the House of Assembly and all but two seats in the Senate between them. Mugabe's impeachment and removal thus appeared all but certain.

Prior to the session, a cabinet meeting called by Mugabe was snubbed by 17 out of 22 members, with the absentees opting to attend a mandatory meeting of the ZANU–PF parliamentary caucus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/robert-mugabe-impeachment-zimbabwe-parliament-begins-sessions-president-remove-latest-updates-a8067111.html|title=Zimbabwe just started impeaching Robert Mugabe|date=21 November 2017|website=The Independent|access-date=21 November 2017|archive-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121125033/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/robert-mugabe-impeachment-zimbabwe-parliament-begins-sessions-president-remove-latest-updates-a8067111.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Mnangagwa wrote a letter saying that he could not meet personally with Mugabe while his safety could not be guaranteed. The letter also urged Mugabe to resign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2017-11-21-in-full--emmerson-mnangagwas-plea-for-mugabe-to-resign/|title=Emmerson Mnangagwa's plea for Mugabe to resign|publisher=TimesLive|access-date=21 November 2017|date=21 November 2017|archive-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121084927/https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2017-11-21-in-full--emmerson-mnangagwas-plea-for-mugabe-to-resign/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/21/zimbabwes-ousted-vice-president-emmerson-mnangagwa-breaks-silence-to-call-for-mugabe-to-go|title=Zimbabwe's ousted vice-president calls for Mugabe to quit|last=Graham-Harrison|first=Emma|date=21 November 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=22 November 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=22 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122013007/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/21/zimbabwes-ousted-vice-president-emmerson-mnangagwa-breaks-silence-to-call-for-mugabe-to-go|url-status=live}}</ref>

The crisis harmed Zimbabwe's economy, with investors dumping Zimbabwean stocks, sending them falling 10% on Monday to an eight-week low of 387.38.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fin24.com/Markets/Equities/mugabes-woes-wipe-out-5bn-from-zimbabwes-skewed-stocks-20171121|title=Mugabe's woes wipe out $6bn from Zimbabwe's skewed stocks|website=Fin24.com|access-date=21 November 2017|date=21 November 2017|archive-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121105403/https://www.fin24.com/Markets/Equities/mugabes-woes-wipe-out-5bn-from-zimbabwes-skewed-stocks-20171121|url-status=live}}</ref>

At 18:00 local time Mugabe resigned.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42071488|title=Zimbabwe's President Mugabe 'resigns'|date=21 November 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=21 November 2017|language=en-GB|archive-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623213751/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42071488|url-status=live}}</ref> His resignation, in the form of an official statement, was announced by [[List of Speakers of the House of Assembly of Zimbabwe|Speaker of Parliament]] Jacob Mudenda to the joint session. Many of the legislators in every party cheered happily right after Mudenda read Mugabe's resignation letter.<ref name=":15">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/21/robert-mugabe-resignation-ends-standoff-in-zimbabw/|title=Robert Mugabe resignation ends standoff in Zimbabwe|last=Chikowore|first=Frank|date=21 November 2017|work=The Washington Times|access-date=22 November 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=22 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122081143/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/21/robert-mugabe-resignation-ends-standoff-in-zimbabw/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/21/world/africa/zimbabwe-mugabe-mnangagwa.html|title=Robert Mugabe Resigns as Zimbabwe's President, Ending 37-Year Rule|last1=Onishi|first1=Norimitsu|date=21 November 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=22 November 2017|last2=Moyo|first2=Jeffrey|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121214400/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/21/world/africa/zimbabwe-mugabe-mnangagwa.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In accordance with the [[Constitution of Zimbabwe|Zimbabwean constitution]], the Vice-President, [[Phelekezela Mphoko]], became acting president, pending nomination of a new candidate by the ruling party. However, as he was out of the country at the time, it is disputed whether or not he served in that acting position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kubatana.net/2017/11/23/status-president-ministers-swearing-constitution-watch-112017/|title=The Status of the President and Ministers before the Swearing-in – Constitution Watch 11/2017|website=Kubatana.net|date=23 November 2017}}</ref> The ZANU–PF chief whip duly nominated Mnangagwa, telling news organisations that he would take over as president within 48 hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/emmerson-mnangagwa-to-head-zimbabwe-zanu-pf-chief-whip-20171121|title=Emmerson Mnangagwa to head Zimbabwe – Zanu-PF chief whip|date=21 November 2017|access-date=18 February 2022|work=[[News24 (website)|News24]]}}</ref>