Military authorities in Zimbabwe have agreed to grant the
former president Robert Mugabe immunity from prosecution and told him his
safety will be protected in his home country.
Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist for 37 years,
resigned on Tuesday hours after parliament launched proceedings to impeach him.
He had refused to leave office during eight days of uncertainty that began with
a military takeover.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, the former vice-president sacked by
Mugabe earlier this month, is to be sworn in as president on Friday. A government source confirmed to Reuters that Mugabe had
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
travelling abroad when he wants to or has to,” the source said.
A second source said: “The outgoing president is obviously
aware of the public hostility to his wife [Grace], the anger in some circles
about the manner in which she conducted herself and approached Zanu-PF party
politics.”
“In that regard, it became necessary to also assure him
that his whole family, including the wife, would be safe and secure.”
“It was very emotional for him and he was forceful about
it,” said the second source, who was not authorised to speak on the details of
the negotiated settlement.
There is still much residual respect for Mugabe, and many
in Harare say he should be allowed to “rest” rather than face charges or
enforced exile.
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