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Robert Mugabe doesn't resign as President of Zimbabwe during speech after being dumped by Zanu PF

November 20, 2017

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has not stepped down, as was anticipated, during a live television speech following his expulsion as Zanu PF party leader.

Mugabe spoke after a week of unrest in which the military placed him under house arrest while explosions rocked Harare.

In his speech today, Mugabe focused on urging the country to "move forward" and to "forgive" after acknowledging the "concerns" raised this week by protesters.

"I, as president of Zimbabwe and as commander in chief, do acknowledge the issues they have drawn my attention to and do believe that these were raised ... out of deep and patriotic concern for the stability of our nation," he said.

"Our government remains committed to improving the social and material conditions of the people."

Mugabe made reference to the congress happening in a few weeks, saying he "will preside over its processes".

He also appealed to the national spirit, saying Zimbabwe is a country born out of "a protracted struggle for national independence".

Responding to the "issues" raised around his government and the ruling part Zanu PF, he appeared to criticise the party for straying from its core values, saying "please do stand acknowledged ... they need to be attended to with a great sense of urgency".

"Indeed the current criticism raised against the command element and some of its members have a reason from a well-founded perception that the party was straying or even failing in its own rules and procedures," he said.

"There has to be a net return to the guiding principles of our party as enshrined in the constitution which must apply fairly and equitably in all situations and before all members.

"The era of victimisation and arbitrary decisions must be put behind.

"There must be general recognition that Zanu PF is a party of traditions, and has been served by successive generations who are bound together by shared ideals and values that must continue to reign supreme in our nation."

Mugabe ended his speech by urging Zimbabweans to "move forward".

It was widely tipped by sources close to Mugabe's meeting with military heads that he would resign.

He now faces a likely impeachment attempt by Zanu PF.

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