Mugabe makes first public appearance since crisis

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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Friday made his first public appearance since military takeover at a university graduation ceremony in Harare.

The 93-year-old Mugabe, who is the chancellor of Zimbabwe Open University, arrived at the ceremony dressed in a blue academic gown and hat, according to AFP.

Mugabe has previously taken a hands-on role in the capping of graduates himself and his attendance in person suggests that his house arrest since the military takeover on Wednesday had been relaxed.

Mugabe, the world's oldest head of state on Thursday refused to resign during a meeting with Zimbabwe Defense Forces chief Constantino Chiwenga and South African envoys, one day after the military seized control of the government.

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe presides over a student graduation ceremony at Zimbabwe Open University on the outskirts of Harare. /AP Photo

Leaders of Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party are due to meet on Friday to draft a resolution to dismiss President Robert Mugabe at the weekend and lay the ground for his impeachment next week if he refuses to stand down, a senior party source said.

In the meantime, talks with Mugabe continued, the military said in a statement reported by Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

Zimbabwe's military is "currently engaging with the Commander-in-Chief President Robert Mugabe on the way forward and will advise the nation of the outcome as soon as possible," the statement said.

The Southern African nation has been on edge since Monday when Constantino Chiwenga, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces, said he was prepared to “step in” to end a purge of supporters of sacked vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa.

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