U.N. chief appeals for calm, restraint in Zimbabwe

UNITED NATIONS - 15 November 2017: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for calm and restraint in Zimbabwe on Thursday after the military seized power.

"The U.N. Secretary-General is monitoring the evolving situation in Zimbabwe. He appeals for calm, non-violence and restraint. Preservation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, is of vital importance," U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said.

Zimbabwe's military said it was holding President Robert Mugabe and his family safe while targeting "criminals" in the entourage of the only ruler the country has known in its 37 years of independence.