Mugabe appears in public — first time since military takeover

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe was Friday sighted outside the confines of his home, attending a graduation ceremony in the capital city of Harare.

It is his first public appearance since the military seized power on Wednesday.

Mugabe, clad in a blue academic gown and cap, was reportedly cheered by the crowd at the graduation ceremony after he spoke.

He was also said to have joined the crowd in singing the national anthem while walking slowly up a red carpet.

Attempts to make the 93-year-old president step down has failed, as he insists he is the only legitimate leader of the country.

Leaders of Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party had warned that Mugabe risks impeachment if he refuses to stand down.

Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition leader, has also asked him to resign in the interest of the country.

The military had taken over after Mugabe fired Emmerson Mnangagwa, the country’s vice-president.

Mugabe and his family have been under house arrest since then.

There were also speculations that he had plans for Grace Mugabe, his wife, to succeed him as president.