Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, at the centre of a political crisis over his disputed election win, is expected to face pressure Tuesday at the African Union summit in Egypt, which is divided over how to handle the crisis.

The octogenarian Mugabe claimed victory in the election that was marred by widespread violence and condemned as unfair by African monitors after opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the race in protest, leaving Mugabe unopposed.

African leaders meeting in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, are spilt over how to deal with the political crisis, but they are facing growing pressure from the UN and Western countries to take firm action against Mugabe.

The crisis in Zimbabwe will be discussed on Tuesday, the African Union's Commission Chairman Jean Ping said, reflecting the urgency of the issue with a possible outbreak of violence looming.

Mugabe, attending the two-day summit, is likely to hear more condemnation and calls for a solution to the crisis, echoing sharp criticism he heard at the opening of the summit on Monday from UN Deputy Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro and growing US and European calls for sanctions.

African leaders have been cautious so far in their handling of the crisis, but some have not shied away from direct condemnation.

Sierra Leone's President Ernest Koroma urged African leaders to condemn Mugabe when they conclude the summit on Tuesday.

Koroma supports a South African initiative for the formation of a transitional government of national unity in Zimbabwe.

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was even more forthright when he urged the African Union to suspend Mugabe until he allows free elections.

However, the bulk of African leaders have adopted a cautious approach and reject calls for sanctions.

Gabon's President Omar Bongo has expressed support for Mugabe, saying he should be accepted as Zimbabwe's elected leader.

Mugabe and Tsvangirai say they accept African mediation. But Tsvangirai called on the summit not to recognize Mugabe's re- election. (dpa)