Zimbabwe's Mugabe refuses to resign

Deposed President, Robert Mugabe refuses to resign after a military takeover earlier this week

Mugabe, posing with Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantino Chiwenga (Photo:BBC)
Mugabe, posing with Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantino Chiwenga (Photo:BBC)

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has reportedly refused to resign following a meeting with generals who seized control of Zimbabwe.

The 93-year-old deposed President was put under house arrest with his wife Grace, during a military takeover on Wednesday.

The army moved in after Mr Mugabe removed Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week, signalling that he favoured his wife Grace Mugabe to take over his Zanu-PF party and take the presidency.

The military said it had been arresting “criminals” around the president, while “others are still at large”.

It also said it would advise the nation on the outcome of talks with Mugabe. Soldiers also blockaded key roads and took over state television.
Mugabe has reportedly had crunch talks, which also included officials from the Southern African Development Community, where he refused to step down.

"They met today. He is refusing to step down. I think he is trying to buy time," said a source close to the army leadership.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said it was "in the interests of the people" that Mr Mugabe "resign... immediately".

South Africa President Jacob Zuma, speaking in parliament, said the political situation "very shortly will be becoming clear".