Robert Mugabe makes first public appearance amid military takeover in Zimbabwe

For the first time since he was kept under house arrest, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe made his first public appearance when he attended a university graduation ceremony in Harare on Friday.

President Mugabe, 93 was kept under house arrest by the military on Wednesday after the army announced it has taken over the south African country but on Friday, he walked into the ceremony venue dressed in a blue academic gown and tasselled hat, before listening to speeches with his eyes closed and applauding occasionally.

Mugabe who has ruled the country since independence from Britain in 1980 also handed out degrees to grandaunts.