Antonio Guterres said he did not like to see the military getting involved in politics

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has reiterated his call for the military takeover in Zimbabwe to be handled in a peaceful manner in an interview with BBC World:

Well, I never like to see the military involved in politics but I have to recognise it’s a confusing situation. I hope first of all that there is no bloodshed, that this is done peacefully.

I hope that [it] will be able to lead to a political and democratic solution and that the next elections that are scheduled are free and fair elections for the people of Zimbabwe to choose their own future.”

It follows comments a spokesperson made on his behalf yesterday that the "preservation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly" were of vital importance.