HARARE/BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's incoming president Emmerson Mnangagwa Thursday called on Zimbabweans to show restraint and avoid revenge against each other.

"While all this is going on, I implore all Zimbabweans to remain patient and avoid any form of revengeful retribution," Mnangagwa said in a statement to the state broadcaster ZBC.

He also urged Zimbabweans to refrain from settling political or social differences outside the ambit of the law.

Mnangagwa is set to be sworn in Friday to serve the remainder of long-serving former President Robert Mugabe's term until the general election next year, according to the state broadcaster.

The 75-year-old former vice president returned to Harare Wednesday and made his first public appearance at the headquarters of the ruling ZANU-PF party after being sacked by Mugabe on Nov. 6.

The termination led the military to move in and kick off a series of extraordinary events ending with Mugabe stepping down Tuesday amid impeachment proceedings.

Mnangagwa Wednesday appealed to Zimbabweans to be united as the country works to revive its economy. He also asked for international support.

"We want peace in our country. We want jobs for our people," he said.

However, he will have to turn words into action as the country grapples with high unemployment, rising prices of basic commodities, cash shortages and a general sense of helplessness.

While opposition parties are clamoring for electoral and other reforms to ensure a level political playing field, ordinary citizens are more interested in bread and butter issues.

Social media is awash with a "things to do and not to do" list as Zimbabweans hope that his leadership will usher in a new era of prosperity.

The international community, meanwhile, urged all parties in Zimbabwe to exercise restraint and maintain political stability and development.

Chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomed Mugabe's decision to step down, saying it will go down in history as an act of statesmanship that can only bolster his political legacy.

The AU "looks forward to Zimbabwe continuing to play a leading role in the affairs of the African continent, as a democratic and prosperous state meeting the aspirations of its people," Mahamat said.

Gwede Mantashe, general secretary of South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, said in Johannesburg Wednesday that they were ready to work with Zimbabwe to rebuild the country.

"We must continue to respect and celebrate Mugabe for the role he played over the last decade. We will continue working with comrades in Zimbabwe. We will not tell them...who should lead," he said.

The European Union (EU) said in a statement that Mugabe's resignation showed that he has listened to the voice of the people.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said the new government must now work to consolidate constitutional order and ensure that inclusive dialogue is established to encourage acceleration of key reforms in the country.

China's policy toward Zimbabwe will not change, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a daily press briefing Wednesday. China expects to enhance cooperation with Zimbabwe under the principles of equality and mutual benefit.

Lu said China respected Mugabe's decision to resign. "He remains a good friend to the Chinese people," Lu said, adding that "China respects Zimbabwean people's choice" and hopes that other countries will not meddle in Zimbabwe's internal affairs.