- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

African Union Says Unrest in Zimbabwe 'Seems Like Coup'

© REUTERS / Philimon BulawayoMilitary vehicles and soldiers patrol the streets in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 15,2017
Military vehicles and soldiers patrol the streets in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 15,2017 - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Media reports have suggested a coup attempt in Zimbabwe in the wake of the announcement by the ruling party that the country was in a "bloodless transition" of power from long-time leader Robert Mugabe, who had been reported to be heavily guarded by the military and preparing to announce his resignation.

The African Union has stated that the crisis in Zimbabwe "seems like a coup" and urged for respect of the country's Constitution.

According to the head of the African Union, Alpha Conde, who is also Guinea's president, the organization condemns the actions of the military in  Zimbabwe as "clearly soldiers trying to take power by force".

Unrest in Zimbabwe

The statement comes in the wake of the announcement by the ruling party in Zimbabwe that the country was in a "bloodless transition" of power from 93-year-old Robert Mugabe, who had reportedly been heavily guarded by the military and preparing to announce his resignation.

According to South African News24, Mugabe, who has been the country's president since 1987, managed to reach an agreement with the army's representatives that his wife would leave the country.

The situation has been previously commented on by the leader of neiboring South Africa, President Jacob Zuma, who stated that he had been contacted by Mugabe, who had been "confined to his home but said that he was fine."

READ MORE: South African President Says Zimbabwe Leader Mugabe Fine, Confined to His Home

An armoured personnel carrier stations by an intersection as Zimbabwean soldiers regulate traffic in Harare on November 15, 2017 - Sputnik International
Africa
Local Businesses Say Situation in Zimbabwe Remains 'Totally Peaceful'
On Tuesday, media reports have emerged claiming that armored vehicles had been moving toward the Zimbabwean capital, while the military had allegedly seized the state-run television broadcasting station ZBC.

The unrest comes in the wake of the tensions over the dismissal of the likely former successor of the Mugabe, who enjoyed the support of the military, with the head of the army's General Staff calling on Zimbabwe's leader on Monday to stop the "purge" in the ruling party.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала