WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Friday for a return to civilian rule in Zimbabwe, saying the country has a chance to put itself on a “new path” amid signs longtime authoritarian President Robert Mugabe will be forced from power in a bloodless coup.
“We all should work together for a quick return to civilian rule in that country in accordance with their constitution,” Tillerson told a gathering of African foreign ministers and diplomats at the State Department. He said it is imperative that Zimbabwe hold free and fair elections. Mugabe has won previous elections that have been found by observers to have been deeply flawed.
“Zimbabwe has an opportunity to set itself on a new path: one that must include democratic elections and respect for human rights,” Tillerson said. “Ultimately the people of Zimbabwe must choose their government. In our conversations today, we have an opportunity to discuss concrete ways that we can help them.”
