HARARE, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe’s former
president Robert Mugabe was 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.
Mugabe led Zimbabwe from
independence in 1980 but stepped down on Tuesday after the army seized
power and the ruling party turned against him. Emmerson Mnangagwa, the
former vice president, is set to be sworn in as president on Friday.
A government source said Mugabe, who is 93, told negotiators he wanted to die in Zimbabwe and had no plans to live in exile.
“It
was very emotional for him and he was forceful about it,” said the
source, who is not authorised to speak on the details of the negotiated
settlement.
“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.
Mugabe’s rapid downfall was triggered by a battle to succeed him that pitted Mnangagwa against Mugabe’s wife Grace.
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