Mugabe granted immunity as part of 'deal', assured of his safety in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's former president Robert Mugabe has been granted immunity from prosecution and assured his safety will be protected in his home country as part of a deal that led to his resignation, sources say.

Mugabe, 93 resigned after 37 years as president of the southern African nation on Tuesday as parliament began a process to impeach him.

Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980 lost support from his allies after the army seized power and the ruling party turned against him. 

A government source said Mugabe, told negotiators he wanted to die in Zimbabwe and had no plans to live in exile.

It was very emotional for him and he was forceful about it," said the source, who is not authorised to speak on the details of the negotiated settlement.

For him it was very important that he be guaranteed security to stay in the country...although that will not stop him from travelling abroad when he wants to or has to, the source said.

Former vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, is set to be sworn in as president on Friday.

Mugabe's rapid downfall was triggered by a battle of who will succeed him that pitted Mnangagwa against Mugabe's wife Grace.

In that regard, it became necessary to also assure him that his whole family, including the wife, would be safe and secure, said a second source.

Mugabe had clung on to power precariously for a week after the military intervened. He angered many Zimbabweans when he did not resign in a televised national address on Sunday as many had anticipated.

A government source said the tipping point for him was the realisation that he would be impeached and ousted in an undignified way.

When the process started, he then realised he had lost the party, the source said.

Mugabe will receive a retirement package that includes a pension, housing, holiday and transport allowance, health insurance, limited air travel and security in accordance with Zimbabwean law.