Mugabe urged to quit as parliament begins impeachment session

Zimbabwe’s former vice-president, whose sacking led to last week’s army takeover, has urged President Robert Mugabe to resign immediately.

Emmerson Mnangagwa said he fled abroad two weeks ago when he learned of a plot to kill him, and he would not return until he was sure of his security.

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Parliament has now begun a session in which the ruling Zanu-PF party is to start impeaching the president.

Mr Mugabe is accused of allowing his wife to “usurp constitutional power”.

Speaking from an undisclosed location on Tuesday, Mr Mnangagwa said the 93-year-old president should heed the “clarion call” of his people and step down.

“I told the President that I would not return home now until I am satisfied with my personal security, because of the manner and treatment were given to me upon being fired,” he said in a statement, BBC reported.