The world’s oldest ruler ruled Zimbabwe for close to four decades but stepped down on Tuesday after the army seized power and the ruling party turned against him. For him it was very important that he be guaranteed security to stay in the country although that will not stop him from traveling abroad when he wants to or has to.

He led Zimbabwe from independence in 1980 but stepped down on Tuesday after the army seized power and the ruling party turned against him.

The former vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to be sworn in as president on Friday.

A government source said Mugabe, who is 93, told negotiators he wanted to die in Zimbabwe and had no plans to live in exile.

“For him it was very important that he be guaranteed security to stay in the country although that will not stop him from traveling abroad when he wants to or has to,” the source said.

Mugabe’s rapid downfall was triggered by a battle to succeed him that pitted Mnangagwa against Mugabe’s wife Grace.