Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe makes first public appearance

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s first public appearance since a military takeover was at a university graduation ceremony on the outskirts of Harare. Clad in academic gown and hat, Mugabe walked slowly in a procession on a red carpet to a podium as a marching band played.

Several thousand graduates of the Zimbabwe Open University and guests stood as Mugabe and other dignitaries entered a tent set up for the event. Once on the podium, Mugabe joined the crowd in singing Zimbabwe’s national anthem. He announced the opening of the graduation ceremony, and the crowd applauded. Mugabe’s presidential security detail was present.