President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday called for calm, peace and respect for the constitution in Zimbabwe.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the president urged all political and military stakeholders in Zimbabwe to avoid any action that might plunge the country into unnecessary conflict and impact negatively on the region.
According to him, every attempt must be made to resolve all contentious issues through constitutional means to save the country from avoidable political instability.
The head of the African Union said the action of the country’s military “seems like a coup”.
African Union leader Alpha Conde, who is also Guinea’s president, said the AU condemned the actions of military chiefs in the southern African country, adding that they were “clearly soldiers trying to take power by force”.
“The African Union expresses its serious concern regarding the situation unfolding in Zimbabwe,” he said, before demanding “constitutional order… be restored immediately” as he called “on all stakeholders to show responsibility and restraint”.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for calm, non-violence and restraint after gunfire and explosions were heard near Mr. Mugabe’s compound.
Prime Minister Theresa May urged for “restraint on all sides” and “an avoidance of violence”.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson called for “proper, free and fair elections” to prevent Zimbabwe transitioning “from one unelected tyrant to another”.
He added: “We will do all we can, with our international partners, to ensure this provides a genuine opportunity for all Zimbabweans to decide their future.”