'Hopes crushed': Zimbabweans react as Mugabe refuses to resign

Local people and many around the world have been left dumbfounded following Robert Mugabe's speech.

Protesters demonstrate outside the Embassy of Zimbabwe in London to call on the leader of the country Robert Mugabe to resign on 18 November in 2017 in London. Source: Getty Images

Zimbabweans and social media users around the world have condemned President Robert Mugabe for delivering a confusing speech and refusing to resign. 

After his ZANU-PF party ousted the 93-year-old, crowds gathered in bars and cafes in the capital Harare on Monday to watch his public address, which was widely expected to end in his resignation.

Instead, it left many people stunned.

Sitting alongside the uniformed generals behind the recent military intervention, Mr Mugabe ignored demands to relinquish his power.

At first, social media users were adamant the leader was going to step down, with some including Sky News journalist Alex Crawford noticing he was stumbling.

But confusion turned to anger among locals following Mr Mugabe's failure to give up his autocratic rule, which he has held for 37 years.

It prompted threats to impeach the embattled president.

Some social media users found humour in the situation claiming Mr Mugabe was fooling the military generals and the world.

The majority of Zimbabweans have only known life under Mr Mugabe - the world's oldest head of state - during a reign defined by violent suppression, economic collapse and international isolation.

Sources suggest Mr Mugabe has been battling to delay his exit and to secure a deal guaranteeing future protection for him and his family.