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LDS missionaries safe following political unrest in Zimbabwe

An armed soldier patrols a street in Harare, Zimbabwe, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Zimbabwe's army said Wednesday it has President Robert Mugabe and his wife in custody and is securing government offices and patrolling the capital's streets following a night of unrest that included a military takeover of the state broadcaster. (AP Photo) Credit: AP
FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 photo, Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, left, and his wife Grace chant the party's slogan during a solidarity rally in Harare. Zimbabwe's army has taken President Robert Mugabe and his wife into custody, triggering speculation of a military coup. Many foreign leaders have been ousted from power and detained as the result of interventions by foreign armies. The Mugabes, however, have joined the ranks of world leaders who were detained as a result of developments in their own countries. (AP Photo, File) Credit: AP

All missionaries serving in the Zimbabwe Harare Mission are safe following political unrest in the impoverished southern African nation.

“They have been instructed to remain indoors and have adequate supplies,” said Church spokesman Eric Hawkins.

Zimbabwe’s military leaders placed their country’s 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe under house arrest and deployed troops to the streets of the capital, Harare, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, according to AP News. Soldiers took control of state TV and blocked access to parliament and the courts.

In their statement on Wednesday, the military said their aim was to “pacify a degenerating political, social and economic situation” in Zimbabwe, then to give back power.

The Church has more than 29,000 members in Zimbabwe. President Thomas S. Monson announced on April 3, 2016, plans to construct a temple in the capital city of Harare.

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