MUGABE, WIFE GRANTED IMMUNITY
HARARE: Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Mugabe and his wife were granted immunity from prosecution and assured that his safety would be protected in his home country as part of a deal that led to his resignation, sources close to the negotiations said on Thursday.
Col Overson Mugwisi, a spokesman for the Zimbabwean Defense Forces, told CNN an agreement had been reached with Mugabe that included immunity and a guarantee of safety for the former president and his wife, Grace Mugabe.
Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for close to four decades but stepped down on Tuesday after the army seized power and the ruling party turned against him.
A government source told Reuters that Mugabe, who is 93, told negotiators he wanted to die in Zimbabwe and had no plans to live in exile.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, the former vice president, is set to be sworn in as president on Friday. Mnangagwa, who has close ties to the army and the security establishment, returned to the country on Wednesday to take the reins and told crowds in Harare that they were witnessing “unfolding full democracy”.
Zimbabwe’s state-run broadcaster said that according to protocol, Mugabe would attend the swearing-in.
But while Mugabe remains in Harare, it is not clear whether he will attend the ceremony.