Thousands of Zimbabweans have taken to the streets of Harare to protest against deposed President Robert Mugabe's continuing presence.

Protesters hope a big turnout today will speed up the official end of his rule.

He is widely blamed for the collapse of an economy that was once one of Africa's wealthiest.

"We can't have a 93-year-old person ruling more than 15 million people," a poster circulating around the city said.

Mr Mugabe is under house arrest after generals seized power, with the military holding talks with him on the "way forward".

In a statement read out on state-run television, the military said their operation "remains solid" and urged Zimbabweans to remain patient.

Mr Mugabe, who stoked anger with the sacking of his vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, also appears to be losing the support of his party after 37 years in office.

Eight of the 10 regional branches of his ruling ZANU-PF party have called for him to resign, according to state TV.

He made his first public appearance since the apparent coup earlier on Friday, turning up at a graduation ceremony at the University of Zimbabwe.