Story highlights
- Mugabe says little, dozes at graduation
- Questions continue over whether longtime leader will accept new leadership
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has emerged from house arrest to attend a university graduation ceremony in the capital, Harare, in a staged public appearance that belied the reality that he is no longer in control of the country he has ruled for 37 years.
The veteran leader arrived at Zimbabwe Open University in a blue-and-yellow gown, accompanied by his security detail, in his first public appearance since being detained in Wednesday’s army takeover.
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, right, arrives at the Zimbabwe Open University in Harare.
The development was the latest in an increasingly bizarre set of events that has eschewed the traditional playbook for military takeovers.
Mugabe’s appearance was apparently designed to convey a business-as-usual atmosphere — the generals pulling the strings in Harare are desperate not to give the impression they are orchestrating an unconstitutional coup.
But behind the scenes, efforts to push Mugabe aside appeared to be foundering. Mugabe was reported to be resisting a plan to oust him, and the generals were said to be frustrated by his refusal to go quietly.
Latest developments
Mugabe resisting deal: The President has pushed back on a deal to replace him with an interim leader, a source told CNN.
Military sets deadline: Frustrated with Mugabe’s resistance, the commander of the defense forces said the President had until Friday to change his stance, “or we do it the hard way,” a source said.
Tillerson weighs in: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson described the situation as an “opportunity” and called for democratic elections.
Grace Mugabe missing: There is still no sign of Mugabe’s wife, whom the leader was trying to promote as the next president, triggering the political upheaval.
An anti-Mugabe march: Zimbabwe’s military says it supports a peaceful and orderly march against Mugabe, scheduled to take place in Harare’s Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield on Saturday.
Harare, Zimbabwe (CNN)