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Robert Mugabe pictured for first time since Zimbabwe military takeover | Robert Mugabe pictured for first time since Zimbabwe military takeover |
(35 minutes later) | |
Robert Mugabe has appeared in public for the first time since the military takeover in Zimbabwe. | |
The President spoke at a graduation ceremony in Harare amid political turmoil over the likely end of his 37-year rule. | |
Mr Mugabe was taken into military custody this week in what the Zimbabwean army described as a "bloodless correction". | |
He has insisted he remains in charge but looks almost certain to be forced from office if he refuses to step down, with his ruling Zanu-PF party stating there "is no going back". | |
Senior party figures were set to meet on Friday to draft a resolution to dismiss Mr Mugabe and lay the ground for his impeachment if he refuses to stand down. | |
"If he becomes stubborn, we will arrange for him to be fired on Sunday," a senior party source said. "When that is done, it's impeachment on Tuesday." | |
Witnesses reported seeing the Presidential motorcade moving through the capital on Friday as a helicopter hovered overheard. | |
Mr Mugabe was later seen at Zimbabwe Open University's graduation ceremony, where a red carpet had been laid out. Reports from those in attendance suggested he was set to fulfil his traditional role of greeting students as they collect their graduation caps. | |
One witness said the audience cheered as he began speaking. | |
Mr Mugabe had been in military custody, reportedly with his wife Grace Mugabe, since the military takeover on Tuesday night. | |
On Thursday he held talks with army chiefs and envoys from South Africa about his future. | |
South African President Jacob Zuma, speaking in his country's parliament, said the political situation "very shortly will be becoming clear." | |
Seizing on the political limbo to speak out, Zimbabwean civil society groups and opposition leaders urged Mr Mugabe - the country's only leader since independence - to step aside after 37 years in power and for the country to transition into free and fair elections. | |
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