Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe met with army commander Constantino Chiwenga Thursday to discuss the country’s ongoing turmoil and a likely transition of power following Tuesday’s military takeover and Mugabe being forced into house arrest.
The president’s motorcade was seen driving through the capital, Harare, earlier in the day, followed by helicopters overhead. Photos posted to the Zimbabwe Herald showed the pair together at the state house. Details of the conversation were not made available.
The meeting came after Mugabe was taken into military custody earlier this week. Military officials took control of the country and placed the president and his wife on house confinement, but they have insisted that it is not a coup.
Mugabe, 93, has been president of Zimbabwe since its independence from Britain in 1980 and is the world’s oldest head of state.
Additionally, a joint statement by more than 100 civil society groups have urged Mugabe to peacefully step aside. The groups have asked the military to quickly restore order and respect the constitution.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
