Bid to negotiate ‘dignified departure’ for Mugabe

Zimbabwe remains on edge, waiting to hear the fate of President Robert Mugabe.

This morning, the military said it was continuing to engage with the 93 year old, and would inform the nation of any breakthrough as soon as possible.

The generals added that they were making significant progress in targeting “criminals” around Mr Mugabe.

There have been suggestions that the president himself is refusing to step down, but other sources are claiming that a complex deal is being worked out, involving a slow transition, elections, and a dignified departure for the man who has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980.

State media, and the ruling Zanu-PF party, have been playing down any sense of instability.

Photos have been published showing Mr Mugabe looking relaxed, and smiling, as he meets delegations.

But the president is not a free man. And Zimbabwe remains trapped in the most extraordinary circumstances.