What is happening in Zimbabwe? Timeline of how the coup unfolded

After 37 years in power, Robert Mugabe is set to be impeached by his own party Zanu-PF after being overthrown and placed under house arrest a week ago. 

The coup came soon after Mugabe sacked his Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa who had been engaged in a succession battle with his wife Grace Mugabe. 

Mnangagwa, who is now the frontrunner to take over from his former ally, has said that he plans to return to Zimbabwe from political exile abroad. 

Here is a timeline of the deepening crisis in Zimbabwe.

The night of Tuesday November 14

Armed forces moved into Harare overnight and took control of the state-run broadcaster ZBC. Gunfire and explosions were heard in the capital. 

Wednesday November 15

The Zimbabwean army announced that 93-year-old Mugabe had been placed under house arrest and that it intends to detain all “criminals” surrounding him.  

The military denies staging a military coup and described the takeover as a “bloodless transition”.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and other world leaders call for a peaceful and lawful resolution to the crisis in Zimbabwe.

Thursday November 16

Mugabe refuses to resign during negotiations with the military. He is photographed smiling and shaking hands with General Constantine Chiwenga in the State House, Harare. 

Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party returns to the African nation in order to pursue a post-Mugabe political settlement.

Friday November 17

To the surprise of the nation, Mugabe attended a graduation ceremony at the University of Zimbabwe – his first public appearance since the coup. 

Negotiations between Mugabe and the military continue to flounder, despite a growing sense that Mugabe’s days as president are numbered. 

Saturday November 18

Zimbabweans poured into the streets of Harare as part of mass protests calling for Mugabe to step down. 

Sunday November 19

Mugabe stunned Zimbabweans by failing to resign during a bizarre address on national television. 

Viewers watched in disbelief as the despot rambled on, hardly acknowledging the fact a coup had taken place. 

Monday November 20

Mugabe missed a deadline to resign and members of his own party decided to start impeachment discussions. 

A military official said they have Grace Mugabe in custody saying she was a “bad influence on Mugabe” while he was in power. 

General Chiwenga made a statement on television saying Mugabe is working on “a definitive solution and roadmap for the country” even as he faces impeachment.

Tuesday November 21

Mugabe calls his first cabinet meeting since the military coup but it is reported that only a handful of MPs turn up. 

Emmerson Mnangagwa said Mugabe has invited him back to Zimbabwe but he will not return the the country until his safety is guaranteed.

Mnangagwa, also known as The Crocodile, said that Mugabe must heed Zimbabwe’s “clarion call” for him to step down.