Robert Mugabe falls asleep during first appearance since military takeover

Yahoo News UK
Footage from Al Jazeera seemingly showing Robert Mugabe falling asleep during his first public outing since the military takeover on Wednesday
Footage from Al Jazeera seemingly showing Robert Mugabe falling asleep during his first public outing since the military takeover on Wednesday

Robert Mugabe has made his first public appearance since the military takeover of Zimbabwe – and the nonagenarian dictator promptly fell asleep.

The appearance came as the military announced “significant progress” on talks for his departure and arrested some of his allies.

An extraordinary series of negotiations with regional leaders is continuing over Mugabe’s departure after 37 years in power.

Mr Mugabe is widely expected to be ousted in the coming days, with one regional wing of his own Zanu-PF party, Zanu PF Manicaland, even threatening to recall him if he does not resign.

After almost four decades in charge of Zimbabwe, this week’s military takeover may signal the beginning of the end for Mr Mugabe’s control of the country
After almost four decades in charge of Zimbabwe, this week’s military takeover may signal the beginning of the end for Mr Mugabe’s control of the country

Zimbabwe’s military is taking pains to show respect for the 93-year-old leader, the world’s oldest head of state, by referring to him as the president and commander-in-chief.

Indeed, there was some applause at the Zimbabwe Open University graduation event even as calls for his departure grow stronger.

At the same time, it said it was arresting and pursuing some people close to Mugabe and his wife, Grace.

There was no sign of the first lady at Friday’s graduation ceremony, and her whereabouts remain unknown.

Robert Mugabe attends his first public occasion since being placed under house arrest
Robert Mugabe attends his first public occasion since being placed under house arrest

Grace Mugabe, who is 41 years younger than her husband, was effectively chosen by him to be his successor following his death.

This decision is seen as having played a crucial role in the army’s decision to launch a takeover of the country on Wednesday.

Mr Mugabe has remained defiant despite calls for him to leave his post
Mr Mugabe has remained defiant despite calls for him to leave his post

The favourite to replace Mr Mugabe is his former vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

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Mr Mnangagwa was sacked by Mr Mugabe last week. However, it now appears the former vice president has won the power struggle to take over from his former leader.

Mr Mnangagwa is known as “The Crocodile” due to his ruthless nature and take-no-prisoners mentality.

The 93-year-old Mugabe has been in power since 1980 when he was elected as Prime Minister, although became President in 1987 and has ruled the country with an iron fist ever since.