Zimbabwe ruling party says Mugabe should step down

On a day Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe appeared in public for the first time since his nation plunged into political crisis, his ruling party is reportedly calling for him to step down, reports CNN.

"ZANU-PF provincial structures in all the country's 10 provinces met today and called for the resignation of their First Secretary, President Robert Mugabe. They also called for the resignation of women's league Secretary and First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe from the party," State newspaper The Herald reported Friday.

Mugabe emerged from house arrest to attend a university graduation ceremony in the capital, Harare, in a staged public appearance that belied the reality that he is no longer in control of the country he has ruled for 37 years.

The veteran leader arrived at Zimbabwe Open University in a blue-and-yellow gown, accompanied by his security detail, in his first public appearance since being detained in Wednesday's army takeover.

There was no sign of Mugabe's wife, whom the leader was trying to promote as the next president, triggering the political upheaval.

The developments were the latest in an increasingly bizarre set of events that has eschewed the traditional playbook for military takeovers.

Mugabe's appearance was apparently designed to convey a business-as-usual atmosphere - the generals pulling the strings in Harare are desperate not to give the impression they are orchestrating an unconstitutional coup.

But behind the scenes, efforts to push Mugabe aside appeared to be foundering. Mugabe was reported to be resisting a plan to oust him, and the generals were said to be frustrated by his refusal to go quietly.