A coalition of Zimbabwean churches has called for embattled president Robert Mugabe to be impeached and removed from office.

It's the latest development in a month which has seen increasing protests against the 92-year-old's leadership.

The churches, which include Zimbabwe Divine Destiny, Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, Christian Voice, Zimbabwe Pastors' Fellowship and Prayer Network Zimbabwe, are planning demonstrations.

Zimbabwean riot police surround a protester during a demonstration

Zimbabwean riot police clash with protestors during a demonstration

They blame Mugabe's leadership for record rates of unemployment, non-payment of salary to state workers and a shortage of food.

In a statement released through the African News Agency the churches say Mugabe should be held accountable for the state the country is in.

After their protest they will petition MPs to impeach Mugabe, which would remove him from office.

Bishop Ancelimo Magaya said removing the president would require an "extraordinary collective response".

Firemen extinguish a vehicle set alight by protesters in Harare

Protestors flee teargas in Harare

He added: "The church demands Parliament to move a motion of impeachment of the President over failed governance and subsequently set up a transitional authority to handle the crises and carry the nation through until the next election."

The statement comes in the midst of increasing civil unrest and the This Flag Movement, started by Pastor Evan Mawarire.

He was detained for urging people to protest but was released after even more protesting.

Mugabe, who has been in power for 36 years, blames Western countries for the crisis in Zimbabwe.