Mugabe allies seek AU and SADC intervention

Former President Robert Mugabe's allies have ‘formally petitioned’ the AU and SADC to challenge President Emmerson Mnangagwa's legitimacy. Legalbrief reports that they include former Higher Education Minister Jonathan Moyo, former Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and former Indigenisation Minister Patrick Zhuwao who recently launched the New Patriotic Front party. Media watchdog Zim Media Review poured cold water on the appeal, saying ‘remember when these same people used to mock (the Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC party) for calling for international action on Zimbabwe?’ NewsDay reports that their 79-page document, submitted by their lawyer Marius van Niekerk, argued that Mnangagwa took office through military intervention and, as a result, should not be recognised as the legitimate leader. The petition was received by Angola President Joào Lourenco, who leads SADC's organ on politics, defence and security, as well as the Moussaka Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission. The document also contains minutes of talks between Mugabe and the military chiefs after he was placed under house arrest.