The mediation for a potential political exit for President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is being led by Catholic priest, Reuters reports.
However, sources say the 93-year-old ruler, who is currently under house arrest, is insisting that he can only be removed via a party leadership vote.
In a related development, Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe’s opposition leader, who has been receiving cancer treatment abroad, returned to the country late on Wednesday, fuelling speculations about a post-Mugabe political settlement.
Meanwhile, there have been no reports of unrest in Zimbabwe. Journalists say the people are gradually coming to terms that Mugabe is being eased out of office.
Streets in Harare are said to be quieter than usual, but people are going about their business.
On Wednesday, troops and armoured vehicles encircled the Zimbabwean parliament and other key buildings.
Hours earlier, soldiers took over the headquarters of national broadcaster ZBC and issued a statement saying the military was targeting “criminals” around Mugabe.
“This is not a military takeover of government,” said Sibusiso Moyo, a Major-General in the country’s army.
“We wish to assure our nation, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, comrade R G Mugabe and his family, are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed.
“We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice.
“What the Zimbabwe defence forces is doing is to pacify a degenerating political, social and economic situation in our country which if not addressed may result in violent conflict.
“Let it be clear; we intend to address the human security threats in our country. Therefore any provocation will be met with an appropriate response.”