Zimbabwe’s strongman Robert Mugabe has made his first public appearance since the military took over the country’s leadership.
A defiant Mugabe on Friday, November 17 attended a graduation ceremony at Zimbabwe Open University wearing an academic cap and gown.
When he started his speech, the 93-year-old was cheered by the gathered crowd while guests and graduads stood up when he entered a tent set up for the event.
According to several international news outlets, Mugabe who has been in leadership in Zimbabwe for 37 years came along with his security detail.
The Telegraph said Mugabe wore a blue academic gown and tasseled hat and even stood at the podium to sing the national anthem amidst applause from the crowd.
The Evening Standard reported that Mugabe walked slowly to the tent as a band played amidst cheers from the gathering.
Among those graduating during the Friday event included Mary Chiwenga, wife of General Constantino Chiwenga.
The military took over the country’s helm on Tuesday, November 14 following the sacking of longtime Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mugabe then appointed his wife Grace as his number two promoting the army commander Constantino Chiwenga to warn that they would not accept the victimization of liberation heroes.
Grace is said to have fled to Namibia following the bloodless coup while several ministers in the Mugabe cabinet have been arrested.
Mugabe stands at attention for national anthem at university graduation ceremony in Harare #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/aUjeqSPQP0
— James Macharia wa Chege (@Macharia_James) November 17, 2017
Zimbabwean President Mugabe is attending Zimbabwe Open University graduation ceremony in Harare in his first public appearance since the military takeover: Reuters #NBSUpdates pic.twitter.com/yNpcpCXXf2
— NBS Television (@nbstv) November 17, 2017
