Members of Canada’s Zimbabwean community hope Harare turmoil brings change
Members of Canada’s Zimbabwean community are expressing hope that political turmoil unfolding in their homeland will bring lasting change after longtime president Robert Mugabe was placed under house arrest by the country’s military leaders.
Zimbabwe’s army said it had taken Mugabe and his wife into custody and was securing government offices in the capital of Harare following a night of unrest that included a military takeover of the state broadcaster.
The activity triggered speculation of a coup, as soldiers and armoured vehicles filled the streets. But the army insisted it was only targeting “criminals” in Mugabe’s inner circle in an attempt to restore democracy. The army’s supporters praised the actions as a “bloodless correction.”
In Canada, members of the Zimbabwean community said they hoped the events signalled what could be the start of a new era.