HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe's ruling party assured Robert Mugabe that he wouldn't be prosecuted if he resigned, a party official said Thursday, as the fate of the 93-year-old became clearer and the country prepared to move on.

"Prosecuting him was never part of the plan," ZANU-PF chief whip Lovemore Matuke told The Associated Press. "He is safe, his family is safe and his status as a hero of his country is assured. All we were saying is resign or face impeachment."

As Zimbabwe prepared to witness the swearing-in of new president Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday morning, its citizens circulate...