Ololade Adeyanju/
Picture of Robert Mugabe appeared for the first time today after he was placed under house arrest in a military coup –
There have also been claims that 93-year-old ruler is refusing to step down as Zimbabwe’s president.
The picture shows a suited Mugabe can be seen sitting in an arm chair during talks aimed at forcing the dictator to agree to an “honourable exit” from power.
The photograph also shows military chief General Constantino Chiwenga in fatigues as well as Zimbabwean defence minister Sydney Sekerayami and South African politicians Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Bongani Bongo. Catholic priest Fidelis Mukonori was also present as a mediator.
There was still no sign, however, of his wife, Grace, 52, who is said to have been with Mugabe overnight at their £7.5million Blue Roof mansion in Harare.
As the pictures emerged in state newspaper The Herald this afternoon, there were claims the deposed leader was refusing to immediately resign during talks with generals – despite coming under huge pressure.
“They met today. He is refusing to step down. I think he is trying to buy time,” said a source close to the army leadership.
This afternoon, two military helicopters were seen landing at the State House in Harare amid speculation that Mugabe and senior army officers have moved their talks there.
According to unconfirmed reports, senior army generals refused to meet Mugabe at Blue Roof because it is technically not an official residence. It followed reports of a motorcade leaving the mansion earlier today.
Meanwhile there was speculation today that military chiefs may have asked China for its blessing before launching the coup.
China’s Foreign Ministry has said that the visit to Beijing last week of General Constantino Chiwenga, who appears to have taken control of Zimbabwe, was merely a “normal military exchange”.
But analysts have suggested that China may have given Chiwenga its tacit blessing to launch the coup, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Mugabe sitting at the centre 