Canadians in Zimbabwe urged to remain indoors

Global Affairs advises citizens to monitor media, saying the ‘situation is tense’ in the city due to increased military activity

Canadians in the Zimbabwe capital of Harare were being advised to stay indoors Wednesday amid political turmoil in the African nation and reports that President Robert Mugabe and his wife are in the custody of the military.

In a message posted on its website, Global Affairs Canada said the “situation is tense” in the city due to increased military activity and advised Canadians there to “remain indoors and monitor the media.”

Zimbabwe’s army said it has Mugabe and his wife in custody and was securing government offices and patrolling the capital’s streets following a night of unrest that included a military takeover of the state broadcaster.

The activity triggered speculation of a coup, but the military’s supporters praised it as a “bloodless correction.”

Armed soldiers in armoured personnel carriers stationed themselves at key points in Harare, while Zimbabweans formed long lines at banks to take out cash. Overnight, at least three explosions were heard in Harare and military vehicles were seen in the streets.

In an address to the nation, an army spokesman said the military is targeting “criminals” around Mugabe, and sought to reassure the country that order will be restored.

The precise whereabouts of Mugabe, 93, and his wife were unclear. “Their security is guaranteed,” the army spokesman said.

The United States issued a similar advisory to its citizens in Zimbabwe, encouraging them to “shelter in place.”

Mugabe has been long been accused of human rights violations, including increasing crackdowns on dissent, amid a deteriorating economy.

“Police abuse increased, and there was excessive use of force to crush dissent,” said the New York-based Human Rights Watch in its latest report on the country.

“Police abuse increased, and there was excessive use of force to crush dissent.”

Human Rights Watch report