'HE WON'T GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT': ZIMBABWE FACING UNCERTAIN FUTURE AS ROBERT MUGABE RESISTS CALLS TO STEP DOWN

*Zimbabwe Pres. Mugabe meets with army commander following military takeover

Zimbabwe is facing an uncertain future as long-time President Robert Mugabe reportedly continues to refuse to step down.

The 93-year-old dictator was put under house arrest during a military takeover on Wednesday, although an army spokesman denied talk of a "coup".

Talks have been on-going between Mr Mugabe, the army chief and South African delegates at his luxurious presidential residence in the capital city Harare.

However, he is refusing to go down without a fight, according to reports, with talks set to continue today while the military remains in charge.

Mr Mugabe rejected a proposal to step down and allow Emmerson Mnangagwa, who he sacked as vice president earlier this month, to take over on an interim basis.

Most Zimbabweans believe Mr Mnangagwa was dismissed to clear the way for Mr Mugabe's despised wife Grace to become his successor.

Known as 'Gucci Grace' for her lavish spending while the country struggled through decades of economic disaster, she is a key reason why public opinion turned against Africa's longest serving head of state.

STATE HOUSE IN HARARE

President Robert Mugabe poses with General Constantino Chiwenga at State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 16, 2017

Mr Mugabe is said to be insisting that he remains the "legitimate" head of state, and that if he were to step down in the future his family must have immunity from persecution.

It remains unclear whether army chief General Constantino Chiwenga, who was photographed with the President at his home on Thursday, will agree to his conditions.

Former finance minister Tindai Biti said he has known Mr Mugabe long enough to know he "won't go down without a fight" - adding: "It's only over when it's over."

South Africa President Jacob Zuma, speaking in parliament, said the political situation "very shortly will be becoming clear" but that it was too early to take any firm decision.

Seizing on the political limbo to speak out, more than 100 civil society groups urged Mr Mugabe to peacefully step aside after 37 years and allow the country to hold free and fair elections.

Knox Chitiyo, associate fellow with the Africa programme at Chatham House, warned speculation remains high but the aim was a peaceful, managed transition.

He said the military wants a dignified exit for Mr Mugabe, who has ruled since independence from white minority rule in 1980.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who shared power with Mr Mugabe between 2009 and 2013, said the president must resign and that his party would participate in talks on a transitional mechanism if approached.

Joice Mujuru, a vice president who was fired in 2014, called for "free, fair and credible elections" following a transition arrangement that draws from a range of communities.

Across the country, Zimbabweans were enjoying freedoms they have not had in years.

Soldiers manning the few checkpoints on roads leading into downtown Harare greeted motorists with a smile, searching cars without hostilities and wishing motorists a safe journey.

Amid questions about the whereabouts of first lady Grace Mugabe, one Namibian newspaper, the New Era, reported that the country's foreign minister denied she had fled there.

The US Embassy advised citizens in Zimbabwe to "limit unnecessary movements" as political uncertainty continues.

The UK Government also urged its citizens to avoid large gatherings and any demonstrations.