The President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe has been seen in public for the first time since the military seized power and placed him under house arrest.
On Friday Mr. Mugabe wearing a blue and yellow academic gown and mortar board hat attended the graduation ceremony of the Zimbabwe Open University in Harare.
#Mugabe at Zim University ceremony. No Grace, no Moyo. pic.twitter.com/I5QLXTgOEP
— Ed Cropley (@edwardcropley) November 17, 2017
Local media reported that the 93-year-old sat in large wooden chair at the front of the hall and was greeted by loud cheers from the crowd.
Scenes at the 15th ZOU graduation ceremony today pic.twitter.com/hrDABGmk4O
— ZBC News Online (@ZBCNewsonline) November 17, 2017
Pressure is mounting on Mr. Mugabe to step down as leader of the country after meeting the military and negotiators from the Southern African development community (SADEC), but he has refused to exit power immediately.
Talks were held on Thursday at Mugabe’s residence in Harare, the “Blue roof” to find a political solution to the ongoing crisis.
Scenes at the 15th ZOU graduation ceremony today pic.twitter.com/XtM2HxXQyc
— ZBC News Online (@ZBCNewsonline) November 17, 2017
The mediation team was led by a catholic priest who is close to the 93-year-old leader, but after several hours of negotiations, President Mugabe has refused to cede power until his tenure ends.
Pictures begun circulating on Thursday evening showing the individuals participating in the talks which included the Zimbabwe Defence Forces officials.
Mugabe currently officiating at a graduation ceremony in Harare pic.twitter.com/XBvqi1Nh3C
— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) November 17, 2017
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces said after the talks however that significant progress has been made to clear out criminals around President Mugabe and bring them to justice.
Robert Mugabe has been leader of Zimbabwe since 1980 after leading his country to gain independence from the British.
Source: Africafeeds.com
