Thousands rally to demand President Mugabe's resignation
Mugabe
Waving placards with messages such as "Mugabe must go" and "No to Mugabe dynasty," the jubilant Zimbabweans, some dancing, singing and honking cars, braved the chilly weather and flooded the streets to participate in the demonstration.
Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans on Saturday poured into the streets of the capital Harare to celebrate the military’s takeover of the government and add their voices to growing calls for President Robert Mugabe to resign.
Waving placards with messages such as "Mugabe must go" and "No to Mugabe dynasty," the jubilant Zimbabweans, some dancing, singing and honking cars, braved the chilly weather and flooded the streets to participate in the demonstration.
Thousands were marching to the State House while others headed to Zimbabwe Grounds, the venue of yet another pro-resignation rally that was organized by the influential Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association.
"Zimbabwe is breaking with the past. We are shaping a new future, a new Zimbabwe as Zimbabweans. We are united as Zimbabweans to say Mugabe must go, Mugabe must go and give this country an opportunity to shape a new future," said Arthur Mutambara, former deputy prime minister.
Zimbabwean flags were waved with optimism for a brighter future.
"We are tired of staying at home with nothing to do. We are looking forward to a new government that can create opportunities for us because we have been to school, but we have nothing do with that education," said a protester.
The march and rally have both been backed by the military, however, they emphasized that the rally should be peaceful and orderly.
The war veterans association invited citizens from across the country's political divide to attend the rally and participate in the march.
As Zimbabweans are celebrating in the streets waiting for Mugabe's eventual downfall, the ruling ZANU-PF party has called for the resignation of the president as well, warning that if the 93-year-old leader refuses to step down the party will recall him.
All the 10 provinces of the party have endorsed Mugabe's resignation. The party's provinces are also calling for the reinstatement of former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was fired by Mugabe last week.
The party has also called for the convening of a special central committee meeting within 48 hours to re-align the party with revised development goals