Former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe has reportedly been “assured protection” and granted immunity from prosecution following his resignation.

The 93-year-old has been assured he will be protected in his home country and sources close to the negotiations have said he has "no plans" to go into exile and wants to die in Zimbabwe.

The immunity is reported to have been granted as part of a deal over his resignation on Tuesday.

"It was very emotional for him and he was forceful about it," said the source.

"For him it was very important that he be guaranteed security to stay in the country. Although that will not stop him from travelling abroad when he wants to or has to."

Reuters reports that Mr Mugabe’s retirement package includes a pension, housing, holiday and transport allowance, health insurance, limited air travel and security in accordance with Zimbabwean law.

Zimbabwe is now set for its first new leader in almost four decades, with former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to be sworn in on Friday.

Upon his return to Harare, Mr Mnangagwa - known as 'The Crocodile' - told supporters: "The people have spoken. The voice of the people is the voice of God.

"I pledge myself to be your servant. I appeal to all genuine patriotic Zimbabweans to come together. We work together. No-one is more important than the other - we are all Zimbabweans.

"We want to grow our economy. We want peace in our country. We want jobs, jobs, jobs in our country."

Mr Mnangawa’s own human rights record is causing concern in Zimbabwe and internationally. He was in charge of the country’s internal security in the 1980’s when human rights group say 20,000 civilians were killed.

Mr Mugabe’s decision to dismiss him from office on October 6th plunged the country into a political crisis and prompted military chiefs to take control of the capital and place Mr Mugabe under house arrest.

The dictator initially refused to stand down, but tendered his resignation after 27 years in charge on Tuesday after impeachment proceedings were launched by the national parliament.

Mr Mugabe had ruled Zimbabwe since 1980 and was, prior to his resignation, the world's oldest head of state.

Under his presidency, the southern African country's economy collapsed and unemployment rose to more than 90%.