WEB DESK
Protesters in Zimbabwe have headed towards the office of President Robert Mugabe to urge him to step down.
The march came on a day of widespread jubilation in the capital Harare and other cities following the army’s takeover on Wednesday.
Soldiers are gently pushing protesters away in scenes resembling a party. The army intervened after Mr Mugabe sacked his deputy, signalling that he favoured his wife Grace as a successor.
Mr Mugabe, 93, has led Zimbabwe since it gained independence from Britain in 1980. The military has kept him confined to his residence and says it is engaging with him and will advise the public on the outcome of talks as soon as possible.
Today’s rally is supported by the army and members of the ruling Zanu-PF party. War veterans – who until last year were loyal to the president – are also saying Mr Mugabe should quit.
Mr Mugabe had been under house arrest since the army takeover, but yesterday he made his first public appearance. He spoke only to open the graduation at a university of which he is chancellor.