Breaking |

Breaking |

Zimbabwe rules out state of emergency after blast at rally
Published : Jun 25, 2018, 1:28 pm IST
Updated : Jun 25, 2018, 1:28 pm IST
SHARE ARTICLE
Zimbabwe rules out state
Zimbabwe rules out state

Zimbabwe's presidential spokesman is ruling out a state of emergency after an explosion at the president's campaign...

 Zimbabwe's presidential spokesman is ruling out a state of emergency after an explosion at the president's campaign rally that state media has called an assassination attempt.George Charamba told the state-run Sunday Mail newspaper that the historic July 30 election will go ahead as planned despite the blast that occurred shortly after President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed a stadium crowd in Bulawayo, an opposition stronghold, yesterday.At least 41 people, including both of Zimbabwe's vice presidents, were injured in the explosion that Mnangagwa said occurred just "inches" from him. ZimbabweZimbabweDramatic footage showed him walking off the stage and into a crowded tent where the blast occurred seconds later, sending up smoke as people screamed and ran for cover.Mnangagwa was unscathed and later pointed out he'd had numerous attempts on his life in the past, saying he was used to themby now.No arrests have been reported.The president "will not be driven by vengefulness or a spirit of retribution," Charamba told The Sunday Mail. "Until the investigators pronounce themselves and present the evidence for arrest and prosecution, no one should ascribe motive or blame." Charamba told The Sunday MailCharamba told The Sunday MailMnangagwa shortly after the attack told the state broadcaster, without elaborating, that those responsible must have come from "outside Bulawayo." He added: "I can assure you these are my normal enemies." Zimbabwe's main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, condemned the attack.The president has vowed to hold a free and fair election, the first since longtime leader Robert Mugabe stepped down in November under military pressure. Allegations of violence and fraud marked past votes.Mnangagwa, a longtime ally whose firing as Mugabe's deputy after a ruling party feud led to the transfer of power, is under pressure to deliver a credible election that western countries see as key to lifting international sanctions.Robert MugabeRobert MugabeHe has invited election observers from the United States, the European Union and elsewhere for the first time in 16 years. Mugabe rejected Western observers, accusing them of bias.

SHARE ARTICLE

PTI

Advertisement

Anmol Gagan Mann Slams Political Parties for Drug Menace, Punjab Under Fire

10 Mar 2026 6:23 PM

Hoshiarpur: \'Open the shutters, we will go home too\', attackers entered with weapons, people from outside closed the shutters

10 Mar 2026 6:19 PM

The entire Congress insults our women - Minister Harpal Cheema

10 Mar 2026 6:17 PM

Punjab Budget 2026 : Rs 1,000 per month for women under \'Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana

08 Mar 2026 5:04 PM

Grand final clash today in the T20 World Cup; the cricket teams of India and New Zealand will face each other

08 Mar 2026 5:01 PM

No leader of the Congress can look me in the eye and talk

08 Mar 2026 4:57 PM
Advertisement