THE MAIN PLAYERS IN ZIMBABWE'S POLITICAL CRISIS:
* Robert Mugabe, 93
- has ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years
- has destroyed its once vibrant economy
- stands accused of election-rigging, human rights abuses and violent suppression of the opposition
* Grace Mugabe, 52
- politically ambitious first lady, has been vying to replace her husband as president
- as rapidly risen within ranks of ruling Zanu-PF party in recent years
- head of Zanu-PF women's league, has won key party support and said to have major sway over her husband's decisions
* Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75
- Mugabe's long-time deputy, Grace Mugabe's main competition to succeed the president
- nicknamed "The Crocodile", considered a ruthless political operator and has long held a powerful place
- has come increasingly into conflict with the Mugabes in recent months and was axed by the president last week
- recently accused Grace of having given him poisoned ice cream at a party
* Constantino Chiwenga, 61
- top army commander who climbed through the military ranks since playing a pivotal role in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle
- controversial and politically ambitious
- is named on list of Zimbabweans sanctioned by the EU for human rights abuses and attacks on democracy
- an ally of Mnangagwa
* Victor Matemadanda
- secretary-general of powerful war veterans association, formed in 1990 by former liberation fighters
- in August, was briefly arrested for undermining Mugabe's authority and criticising the first lady
- now stands firmly behind the military and axed vice president Mnangagwa.
