Breaking News in Zimbabwe

We interrupt our regular Blog with the latest Zimbabwe news:

We're sure that the news in America is probably breaking faster than the people of Zimbabwe can even learn about it, but I thought we should share what we are experiencing here with the surprising changes.

Just two weeks ago, President Banda (our S&I Coordinator) told us that with Vice President Mnangagwa being fired from his job and from the Zanu PF (the ruling party), that it would certainly mean Robert Mugabe would win the next election.  Mnangagwa, a crony of Mugabe was known to be opposing Mugabe and wanted his job.  Slowly, Mugabe and his wife have been eliminating all of the opposition, and the people have feared that Grace Mugabe was going to be appointed to take his place at some point. 

Fast forward to last Wednesday, the 15th.  We were awakened very early by the Carrells, our senior missionary neighbors, saying that Mugabe had been removed from office and that the army was taking over the country.  General Chiwenga, one of the original army veterans, was angry about what was happening in the government, and the Mugabes trying to make the government a family business.  So, backed completely by the army, he took over the government.

 We were told to stay home, "shelter in place", but that only lasted two days because no one really felt unsafe.  This was a very peaceful takeover -- no looting, no vandalism, no rioting.  The people of Zimbabwe are truly good people.  They are patient, not reactive or combative.  Just really good God-fearing Christian people.  They have been waiting for 37 years for a change in the government.  They didn't speak up because they lived in fear.  But they are also a happy people who have learned how to cope one day at a time.

The army and the police here are not friends.  The police back Mugabe and the army defends the government.  The army moved quickly to take over the police stations so that eliminated a lot of the conflict.  The people don't like the police here because they extort money from the citizens (and all of the missionaries!).  The police would arrest, beat, imprison at will.  The people here have been so happy to have the army in charge -- at least for now.

So then, for the last few days, all of the talk has been about getting Mugabe to resign, which he has not been willing to do.

Saturday there was a huge March.  Tens of thousands of people went into downtown Harare and marched to the state house to ask for President Mugabe to resign.  Here are some pictures from President Banda:

There was a message sent around on Friday about the March.  Buses and Combis offered free transportation to people who wanted to come to the March.  On Sunday, we learned that people from our branch in Kadoma, 2 hours away, took buses to the March.  According to two of our friends who were there, the atmosphere was one of huge celebration!  There were citizens both black and white, old and young.  No anger, no fighting.  Just pure happiness for the change and HOPE.  Hope is what all of the people are talking about.

Things have been changing very quickly around here!  At lunchtime yesterday, the word was that impeachment proceedings were starting.  By the time we drove to a meeting with the Marimba Park stake presidency last night, we heard that in fact Robert Mugabe had resigned.  Apparently, if he was impeached, the things he was asking for (immunity, keeping all of his assets, a security detail, etc.) would have been revoked.  So he finally resigned.

As we drove home from our meeting, we experienced true CELEBRATION in the streets -- honking, flashing lights, flag waving, singing, dancing, and citizens lining the streets cheering as cars drove past.  President Banda, who was with us said, "This is our new Independence Day!"  The Selchos, another senior missionary couple, got home before it was so dark, and they said our little compound of older pensioners were also out in the street cheering and waving.  Today there is a huge celebration planned for Harare.  We had to stop at the store on our way to work.  Elder Theurer wore his Zimbabwe tie and all of the people loved it.  They told us how hopeful they were and how their prayers had been answered.

 

All of the members of the Church here are certain that God has answered prayers and that He is preparing the way for His temple to come to Harare.  Even though their is uncertainty about how the new regime will govern, the HOPE remains strong.  We are praying for this country and hope that others will join us.  They deserve something wonderful. 

Sending our love to everyone,

Elder and Sister Theurer