Former Zimbabwe vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged President Roebert Mugabe to resign immediately.
Mnangagwa’s call comes just a day after members of the ruling ZANU-PF announced that they would begin an impeachment process against the 93-year-old following a military take-over last week.
The former VP said he had fled the country over security concerns, adding that he had learned of a plot to kill him. He said he would not return to the southern African country until he was sure of his security.
ZANU-PF members who back the impeachment of President Mugabe accuse the long-serving leader of allowing his wife to “usurp constitutional power”.
While speaking from an undisclosed location on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said Mugabe ought to 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 of my personal security, because of the manner and treatment given to me upon being fired,” he said in a statement.
Even with the looming impeachment threats, Mugabe called for a cabinet meeting at his State House offices on Tuesday.
Cabinet meetings are usually held at Munhumutapa Building in the centre of town, but an armoured vehicle and armed soldiers are camped outside the offices.
Party member Paul Mangawana said the process could take as little as two days to complete, and President Mugabe could be removed by Wednesday.
