Zimbabwe latest: Robert Mugabe pictured with army commander who placed him under house arrest

Zimbabwe's state-run newspaper has published photos of President Mugabe meeting the army commander who placed under house arrest
The Herald Zimbabwe
Hatty Collier16 November 2017

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has been pictured with the army commander who placed him under house arrest.

The country’s state-run newspaper published photos of the President, dressed in a suit and tie, sitting in an armchair next to military chief General Constantino Chiwenga on Thursday.

It comes amid reports that Mugabe is refusing to step down.

The Herald Zimbabwe published photos of him with two cabinet ministers, the head of the army and South African envoys in his office, a day after the military seized power.

Photos on the Herald's website showed Mugabe, Chiwenga, Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi and State Security Minister Kembo Mohadi speaking with South African officials alongside Catholic priest Fidelis Mukonori.

Zimbabwe Military Coup - In pictures

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The photos did not show first lady Grace Mugabe, whose rapid political rise had alarmed many in the country who feared she could succeed her husband. It was reported on Wednesday that she had fled to Namibia.

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

Civil society groups and opposition leaders have urged Mugabe to step aside after 37 years in power and for the country to transition into free and fair elections.

The military during a coup in Zimbabwe
AP

Mugabe has been in military custody, reportedly with his wife, since the army stepped in overnight Tuesday.

There was no sign of former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose firing last week angered supporters in the military amid concern that the President’s wife would take his place at a party meeting next month.

The military remained in the streets of Harare. Southern African regional officials were meeting in neighbouring Botswana on the crisis.

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, who has been captured by the army in Zimbabwe
AFP

A joint statement by more than 100 civil society groups urged the 93-year-old Mugabe, the world's oldest head of state, to peacefully step aside and asked the military to respect the constitution. A joint statement by churches also appealed for calm.

One analyst said he believed the negotiations "have pretty much reached an end point" to get Mugabe to step aside and that it was a "matter of hours or days."

Knox Chitiyo, associate fellow with the Africa program at Chatham House, warned that speculation remains high but said the aim was a peaceful, managed transition.

He said the military wants a dignified exit for Mugabe, who has ruled since independence from white minority rule in 1980 and remains widely known, even praised, in Africa as a liberation leader.

Chitiyo said he doesn't know where the ailing Mugabe would go but that the destination is "likely driven by his health." Mugabe routinely seeks medical treatment in Singapore.

Opposition leaders spoke out but said they had not been contacted as part of the Mugabe negotiations.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who shared power with Mugabe between 2009 and 2013, said Mugabe must resign and said his party would participate in talks on a transitional mechanism if approached.

He pointedly referred to Mugabe as "Mister."

A vice president who was fired in 2014, Joice Mujuru, called for "free, fair and credible elections" following a transition arrangement that draws from a range of communities.

Zimbabwean Evan Mawarire, the pastor whose This Flag social media campaign last year led to the largest anti-government protests in a decade, asked: "Should we just sit and wait or shall we at least be part of this transition process?"

Across the country, Zimbabweans long frustrated by crackdowns on dissent and a collapsing economy were enjoying freedoms they haven't had in years. For once, they weren't contending with bribe-seeking police officers who mounted roadblocks every few miles.

Soldiers manning the few checkpoints leading into downtown Harare greeted motorists with a smile, searching cars without hostilities and wishing motorists a safe journey.

Street vendors who endured police raids after Mugabe ordered their removal were working without hassles. Trade unions urged workers to go about their business.

The US Embassy advised citizens in Zimbabwe to "limit unnecessary movements" as political uncertainty continues. The British government also urged its citizens to avoid large gatherings and any demonstrations.

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