Mugabe resisting calls to resign

Harare, Nov 17: Zimbabwe’s long-time President Robert Mugabe has reportedly refused to step down immediately despite growing calls for his resigtion, the media reported on Friday.

The 93-year-old was put under house arrest during a military takeover on Wednesday, amid a power struggle over who can succeed him, reports the BBC.

In a televised statement on Friday, the military said that it was “engaging” with Mugabe and progress had been made in targeting “crimils” around the President.

The military said it would advise the tion on the outcome of talks with Mugabe “as soon as possible”. Several senior officials were said to have been detained since Wednesday.

The President held talks on Thursday with regiol envoys and the Army chief.  Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai had said earlier that it was “in the interests of the people” that Mugabe “resign... immediately”, the BBC reported. The Army moved in after Mugabe last week sacked Vice President Emmerson Mngagwa. (IANS)