Morgan Tsvangirai was a key figure in the opposition of Robert Mugabe.
Former Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa is the favourite to take control, according to the ruling ZANU PF Party.
The party has denied staging a military coup, instead choosing to call the takeover a “bloodless transaction”.
Earlier, African Union leader Alpha Conde, said: “The African Union expresses its serious concern regarding the situation unfolding in Zimbabwe.
“The constitutional order can be restored immediately and all stakeholders should show responsibility and restraint.”
More to follow…