WEB DESK
Zimbabwe’s long-time President Robert Mugabe is reportedly refusing to step down immediately, despite growing calls for his resignation. The 93-year-old was put under house arrest during a military takeover on Wednesday, amid a power struggle over who would succeed him.
There has been no official word on the outcome of talks he had with regional envoys and the army chief earlier.
But sources say he has so far refused to agree to move aside. If President Mugabe can be persuaded to step down officially it could help legitimise the military’s dramatic intervention.
The army moved in after Mr Mugabe last week sacked Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, signalling that he favoured his wife Grace Mugabe to take over his Zanu-PF party and thus the presidency.
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said earlier it was in the interests of the people that Mr Mugabe resign immediately. in line with the national expectation and sentiment.
Zimbabweans who have left their country in the past because of political persecution and economic factors, making their way to neighbouring South Africa.
Some say that they are tired of being foreigners and are hopeful that the recent developments mean they can finally go home.
They hope that power will be transferred to the people so that they, not the military or politicians, can determine their future leaders.
