Zimbabwe latest: Robert Mugabe sensationally vows to stay on as president in bizarre address despite resignation rumours

Robert Mugabe has shocked the world as he failed resign as president of Zimbabwe, despite rumours the leader would step down after almost 40 years in power.

Speaking on state-run television, the 93-year-old made a bizarre address hours after being sacked as leader of Zanu-PF on Sunday.

Mugabe’s wife Grace was also dismissed from the party as former vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa was named as its new head.

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

Zimbabweans had gathered in the streets expecting a celebration, however Mugabe failed to step down and instead vowed to oversee the party's December conference.

He appeared to hint at challenging the ruling party by trying to stay on during the speech while flanked by military officials.

"The congress is due in a few weeks from now. I will preside over its processes, which must not be possessed by any acts calculated to undermine it or compromise the outcomes in the eyes of the public," he said.

He added he was aware of “issues within Zanu-PF” and added the country must “learn to resolve contradictions in a comradely spirit”.

Officials close to the talks between Mugabe and the military had said the president would resign amid threats he would face impeachment on Monday.

The leader of Zimbabwe's war veterans said plans to impeach Mugabe would go ahead as scheduled.

Chris Mutsvangwa, who has been leading a campaign to oust Mugabe, told Reuters in a text message moments after Mugabe finished his speech that people would take to the streets of Harare on Wednesday.

Last week, he was placed under house arrest while Zimbabwean officials plotted his removal from office.

He then launched a hunger strike against conditions as he was held.

The dictator is said to have insisted he remain 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, has agreed to these conditions.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of capital Harare to celebrate the end of Mugabe's rule, hugging and cheering the military soldiers who aided in his removal.

Mugabe ruled over Zimbabwe since it declared independence from Britain in 1980.