Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings has expressed admiration for Zimbabwe’s President, Robert Mugabe, touting his significant contribution to the African continent.

He described the latter in a post on his twitter handle as a hero whose ‘African pride, dignity and audacity is unassailable’, having ‘served and lived for the dignity of his fellow blacks in a manner that so many of us fall very short of’.

Touching on the takeover by the country’s military force on Wednesday November 15, the former President urged Zimbabweans and the army to handle the situation with caution to ensure that the hard earned and deserved reputation of Mr. Mugabe is preserved and protected.

“As unavoidable as the Zimbabwe situation may be, let us hope that the transition occurs without destroying Mugabe’s legacy and dignity unduly.”

Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabi made his first public appearance Friday since the army took over government on Wednesday. He was confined to his home in Harare when the army made its move following a power struggle over his successor.

Vice President Mnangagwa who was until now, the potential successor of the 93-year old president was sacked last week, a move supposedly intended to pave the way for Grace Mugabe; wife of the president.

Though the army has denied any plot for a coup, many have cautioned that they be careful in dealing with the situation such that the reputation of the President will not be marred in the process of the political crisis.

Meanwhile, no violence has been reported on the issue, many have described the military’s takeover as ‘bloodless’ and an academic takeover