• Mystery over Mugabe's whereabouts as motorcade leaves residence
• Zanu-PF confirms meeting on Sunday will sack Mugabe and wife Grace
• Mugabe expected to meet military again on Sunday for talks
• Hundreds of protestors gather outside Zimbabwean Embassy in central London
• War Veterans Association urges demonstrators to march on Harare residence
• Thousands of anti-Mugabe protestors are on the streets of Harare calling for the leader's resignation
• Mugabe's nephew said the leader is "ready to die for what is correct" and will not step down
• Military forces retain control of Zimbabwe and allowed Mugabe out of house arrest for the ceremony 
• The army carried out coup on Tuesday night and said it was a “bloodless takeover”  

Bringing you the latest news and live updates from Zimbabwe. (All times GMT)

Saturday November 18

9.30pm: Where is Mugabe now?

Robert Mugabe has not been seen since early this morning, according to a security official.

There had been speculation the President had fled his mansion as huge crowds gathered to demand he quit.

But earlier, it was denied he had been in a motorcade which left his Harare home.

The President is said to be seeking advice from his family over what to do next.

But the decision could be out of his hands once Zanu-PF meet tomorrow and he has another face-to-face with the army commander who has kept him under house arrest.

7.45pm: Mugabe to be joined by negotiating team

Mugabe will be joined by a negotiating team as he sits down with army chiefs tomorrow.

Acting intelligence director Aaron Nhepera and Mugabe spokesman George Charamba will be among the party, the country’s state run broadcaster said.

A previous meeting tis week appeared surprisingly good natured with photos showing a beaming Mugabe posing with the commander who put him under house arrest.

There is still no indication Mugabe intends to stand down without a fight.

6.15pm: Mugabe to 'meet military' for talks

Mugabe is to meet military commanders for talks again tomorrow, it is claimed.

State broadcaster ZTV has reported the meeting, which follows a previous meet-up this week.

The talks could take place even as Zanu-PF leaders approve measures to oust him.

His party is holding a meeting of its own tomorrow morning where Mugabe and wife Grace will be fired.

5.30pm: Leader could be 'lynched' by mob

The chairman of the influential national war veterans’ association, which organised today’s protest, has said Mugabe could be lynched by a mob if he does not resign.

In a chilling warning, Christopher Mutsvangwa said the army would allow people into the mansion unless Mugabe went of his own accord.

He told MailOnline: “The army is threatening to unleash the people and let Mugabe be lynched. 

“The generals said they will not shoot the people for him. 

“Instead, they will abandon their posts and leave him to his fate."

4.45pm: Mugabe 'not in motorcade'

Mugabe was not in the motorcade when it left his residence in Harare, it is claimed.

There had been concern the President could have fled as protesters swarmed around his ‘Blue Roof’ home.

But a security source told Reuters that he was not in any of the cars.

4.00pm: Motorcade leaves Mugabe home as Zanu-PF prepare to sack leader

Mugabe’s motorcade has left his residence in Harare but it is not known if he was inside.

Crowds of people booed and jeered as the cars left his ‘Blue Roof’ property.

But there is mystery around who was in the motorcade and where it was heading.

The move came as ruling party Zanu-PF confirmed they will meet on Sunday to dismiss their leader.

Party sources said Mugabe would be sacked and Emmerson Mnangagwa reinstated as vice-president.

A meeting scheduled for 8.30GMT will also dismiss the 93-year-old’s preferred successor, wife Grace, from her role as head of the party’s Women’s League.

2.30pm: Crowds gather at Zimbabwean Embassy in London

Hundreds of Zimbabweans living in Britain have gathered outside the country's embassy in central London calling on embattled leader Robert Mugabe to step aside.

One of the London protestors said: "I am happy today because Bob Mugabe is about to go. He must go. 

“At least if he goes, we'll have a change of president after so many years of injustice.” 

1.30pm: War veterans' leader urges crowds to march on Mugabe residence

Hundreds of anti-Mugabe protestors are marching on the embattled Zimbabwean President’s luxury home after being urged to do so by a leader of the powerful War Veterans Association.

Secretary-general Victor Matemadanda told a rally in the Harare township of Highfield: "Let us now go and deliver the message that grandfather Mugabe and his typist-cum-wife should go home.” 

As he spoke, people started leaving the rally to head towards Mr Mugabe's lavish "Blue Roof" residence in Harare.

The war veterans were one fiercely loyal to Mr Mugabe and routinely used violence to intimidate politcal opponents and brutally stamp out dissent. 

1.00pm: Mugabe nephew condemns military coup leaders

Mr Mugabe and his wife Grace are "ready to die for what is correct" and have no intention of stepping down in order to legitimise this week's military coup, according to the his nephew Patrick Zhuwao.

Speaking from a secret location in South Africa, Mr Zhuwao said Mr Mugabe had hardly slept since the military seized power on Wednesday but his health was otherwise "good".

He also claimed seven people had died during the military takeover but could give no further details.

Mr Zhuwao, who was Public Service Minister in his uncle’s cabinet, said popular protests on the streets of Zimbabwean capital Harare has been orchestrated by the generals to disguise the coup.

12.01pm: Neighbouring Botswana calls for Mugabe's immedate resignation

The president of Botswana said Mr Mugabe no longer had any diplomatic support in the region and should resign at once.

Ian Khama said: “I don't think anyone should be President for that amount of time.

“We are Presidents. We are not monarchs. It's just common sense.” 

The US, a long-time Mugabe critic, said it was looking forward to a "new era" in Zimbabwe.

10.00am: South Africa's Jacob Zuma hopes for amicable solution

South African President Jacob Zuma said the African region was committed to supporting "the people of Zimbabwe" after the military takeover and that he was cautiously optimistic that the situation there could be resolved amicably.

Mr Zuma sent two special envoys to Zimbabwe just hours after the army seized power from President Robert Mugabe who has led the country since it won idependence from Britain in 1980.

8.00am: Zimbabweans take to streets in celebration

Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans have flooded the streets of the capital Harare, waving national flags and singing and dancing in an outpouring of elation at the expected fall of President  Mugabe.

Marchers let their emotions run free as they spoke of political and economic change after two decades of repression and deepening hardship.

Frank Mutsindikwa, 34, said: ”These are tears of joy. I’ve been waiting all my life for this day. Free at last. We are free at last."

6.00am: Senior member of ZANU-PF states he wants Robert Mugabe out of office

President Robert Mugabe's own ruling ZANU-PF party wants him to step down and plans to hold a rally in Zimbabwe's capital Harare on Saturday to make the point.

A senior member of ZANU-PF earlier told Reuters the party wanted their long-time president gone.

The insider said: "If he becomes stubborn, we will arrange for him to be fired on Sunday.

"When that is done, it's impeachment on Tuesday."

4am: Joseph Carey takes over live reporting.

Friday November 17

8.35pm: Party calls for Robert and Grace Mugabe to resign

Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party called on Friday for President Robert Mugabe to resign, the main state newspaper The Herald reported, the latest sign that the aging leader's authority has collapsed after an army takeover.

The newspaper said that ZANU-PF branches in all 10 provinces had met on Friday and had also called for Mugabe's wife Grace to resign from the party.

8.30pm: Will Kirby takes over live reporting.

5.43pm: Zimbabwe's provincial Zanu-PF parties call for the removal of President Mugabe

All 10 of Zanu-PF's provincial parties have called on President Mugabe to resign amid the political turmoil in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe newspaper Newsday reported that a vote of no confidence was passed by all 10 parties. 

A UK-based member of the party also said that each branch has agreed to direct the party's Central Committee to renounce Mugabe's leadership.

According to Nick Mangwana, the parties have agreed to back the ousted Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the country's next leader.

5 pm: Sebastian Kettley takes over live reporting.

4.57pm: Expelled Zanu-PF politician launches scathing attack on Mugabe

Temba Mliswa, who is the only independent MP in Zimbabwe, said: “You live by the sword, you die by the sword.

“RGM [Robert Mugabe] has been notorious for expelling people from ZANU PF through provincial Votes of No Confidence. 

“Masvingo and Manicaland have passed the same. The March tomorrow must be the final nail.”

Mr Mliswa’s comments come after a number of Zanu-PF provinces passed votes of no confidence in Mugabe.

3.26pm: Zanu-PF provinces pass vote of no confidence in Mugabe

All ten provinces held by Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party have passed a vote of no confidence in the president, according to NewsDay.co.zw.

The development will be a huge blow to Mugabe, who has been ordered to stand down as leader by Sunday. 

3.04pm: US calls for ‘a quick return to civilian rule’

United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has urged "a quick return to civilian rule" in Zimbabwe and called events there "a concern."

"Zimbabwe has an opportunity to set itself on a new path, one that must include democratic elections and respect for human rights," Mr Tillerson told foreign ministers from the African continent ahead of a meeting in Washington. 

2.41pm: China urged peaceful resolution in Zimbabwe

China's Foreign Ministry called on Friday for a peaceful and legal resolution in Zimbabwe, after the military seized power earlier this week.

Speaking to reporters today, ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: “China calls on all sides in Zimbabwe to keep their eyes on the country's long-term and fundamental interests, and uphold dialogue and consultations to bridge differences, to promote a peaceful and appropriate resolution to the issue under a legal framework.”

2.17pm: Police agree to political rally tomorrow

Police have granted permission for Zimbabwe’s influential war veteran group to hold a rally in Harare tomorrow.

Locals are expected to gather at Freedom Square in the capital to demonstrate against President Robert Mugabe. 

A poster circulating on social media reads: “We demand a leadership that will relieve us of the suffering we have endured for too long.”

1.45pm: Mnangagwa an ‘extension of Mugabe’

South African journalist Redi Tlhabi told CNN that as far as she is concerned Emmerson Mnangagwa is “just an extension of Robert Mugabe”. 

Also known as ‘The Crocodile’, Mnangagwa was sacked as Vice President last week and is now favourite to succeed Mugabe. 

But Ms Tlhabi warned Zimbabweans that “Mnangagwa is no democrat”. 

1.25pm: Zimbabwe parliament plans to impeach Mugabe on Tuesday, reports say

"The plan of anti-Mugabe forces is to have Mugabe impeached when Parliament sits on Tuesday,” Zim Media Review said.

“Mugabe can dissolve Parliament to prevent that from happening, provided he's able to do so.”

1.15pm: Mugabe ‘must be impeached’, says former Zimbabwe Deputy Prime Minister

Arthur Mutambara tweeted: “All this MUST lead to impeachment by Parliament; a political process driven by Parties with political representation in Parliament. 

“This route requires leadership, organisation and cross-party cooperation rooted on clarity on the long term agenda and vision. It can be done.”

1.04am: Botswana President says Mugabe give up power 

Mugabe should end his attempts to remain in office after the military seized power this week as he has no regional diplomatic support to stay in power, Botswana President Ian Khama said.

The military intervention, which political sources say could pave the way to a national unity government after 37 years of Mugabe rule, also presented "an opportunity to put Zimbabwe on a path to peace and prosperity", Khama told Reuters.

"I don't think anyone should be President for that amount of time. We are Presidents, we are not monarchs. It's just common sense," Khama added.

12.50pm: Rally to be held in Zimbabwe tomorrow

An poster for the anti-Mugabe rally in Harare tomorrow calls on Zimbabwe to rise up and “demand a leadership that will relieve us of the suffering we have endured for too long.”

Zimbabwean newspaper publisher Trevor Ncube said: “Zimbabweans are preparing to take to streets tomorrow to express themselves over the current political stand-off between Mugabe and the military.”

12.31am: The leader of Zimbabwe's influential war veterans said Robert Mugabe would not be allowed to resist the military and remain in power.

Chris Mutsvangwa added that the veterans saluted Zimbabwe's military for seizing power earlier in the week.

12.22pm: Mugabe could be thrown out and impeached next week

Officials in Robert Mugabe’s ruling Zanu-PF party will meet today to draft a resolution to dismiss the 93-year-old at the weekend and lay the ground for his impeachment next week if he refuses to stand down, a senior party source has told Reuters. 

"There is no going back," the source said. "If he becomes stubborn, we will arrange for him to be fired on Sunday. When that is done, it's impeachment on Tuesday.”

12pm: Mugabe leaves graduation ceremony 

11.30am: Mugabe ‘falls asleep’ at graduation ceremony

Mugabe has fallen asleep at his first public appearance since the military coup earlier this week, according to Head of Reuters’ Africa Bureau Ed Cropley.

Mr Cropley tweeted: “Mugabe appears to have fallen asleep at uni ceremony - or "resting his eyes", as his spokesman likes to say.”

11am: Mugabe arrives at graduation ceremony

Mugabe is attending a graduation ceremony at Zimbabwe’s Open University, days after being placed under house arrest by military forces. 

Dressed in a blue and yellow academic gown and mortar board hat, the 93-year-old was greeted by ululations from the crowd as he declared the ceremony open.

The event marks Mugabe’s first public appearance since the Zimbabwe military staged a coup in Harare on Wednesday.

10.38am: Mugabe ‘changing goal posts’ in negotiations

Mugabe has reportedly “changed the goal posts” on a deal that was made regarding his imminent resignation, according to journalist Hopewell Chin’ono. 

Mr Chin’ono understands that Mugabe now wants to step down as party leader in December, before retiring from his remaining political duties next year. 

“This should not surprise anyone,” Mr Chin’ono said. “It is typical Mugabe behaviour.

"So the deal had been agreed on, only waiting for Mugabe’s signature, but Robert Mugabe is now refusing to sign it making reference to constitutional obligations. 

"He is now demanding that he be allowed to be party president until December and state president until next year. 

"The Military has given a firm ‘No’ and have told him they will now escalate the stand off.”

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