Zimbabwe: Mugabe makes first public appearance since military takeover

Robert Mugabe’s first public appearance since the military seized power could also be his last as Zimbabwe’s president.

He opened a graduation ceremony in the capital Harare, but a senior source in his party has told Reuters the leader will be fired on Sunday (November 19) and impeachment proceedings will take place on Tuesday (November 21), if he does not stand down.

The 93-year-old reportedly refused to resign during a meeting with military chief General Constantino Chiwenga.

Army troops and armoured vehicles have been patrolling the capital since Wednesday’s (November 15) seizure of power, but locals say the atmosphere is peaceful.

There are suggestions he is trying to hold out until elections, which are scheduled for 2018. But with his wife Grace under house arrest, her key allies in custody and the police showing no sign of resisting the Army, there are doubts over how long Mugabe can remain president.

Polls suggest he has little support in the capital. His 37 years in office have seen the economy crumble and unemployment stands at an estimated 90-95 percent.

The military is being careful to show the world’s oldest head of state respect, but it is thought to be paving the way for sacked Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa to take the helm. His firing triggered the military takeover.

SOURCE: euronews
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