Robert Mugabe resigns as Zimbabwe’s president
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has submitted his resignation after nearly four decades as the country’s leader.
Mugabe defied demands to step down for almost a week after a military takeover and expulsion from his own ruling ZANU-PF party but stepped down on Tuesday, just as parliament started proceedings to impeach him.
Cheers broke out at a special session of parliament as speaker Jacob Mudenda read out Mugabe’s resignation letter.
“I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation … with immediate effect,” said Mudenda, reading the letter.
The news also sparked scenes of jubilation in the capital, Harare, as large crowds cheered, danced and sang celebrating Mugabe’s departure for hours.
“People are coming out onto the streets, they are calling this day Independence Day,” Al Jazeera’s Haru Mutasa, reporting from Harare, said.
“It’s getting chaotic,” she added. “Some people still can’t believe this has happened. People say they are really excited and hoping for a better future.”
Zimbabweans celebrate outside the parliament building in Harare
At Harare’s Rainbow Towers, crowds cheered as a picture of Mugabe – hung in most public business premises – was taken down.
Celebrations also erupted in central Johannesburg, in neighbouring South Africa, as Zimbabweans there also took to the streets to cheer on the news.
Mugabe’s resignation brought an end to the impeachment process initiated by ZANU-PF after its Central Committee voted to dismiss him as party leader.
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6 Comments
Pankar
November 22, 10:10Mugabe disappointed me really. I thought he’ d sit out his tenure till next summer. Pressure.
Delle
November 22, 10:15This is how my day was made! Lemme go and get myself a cup of coldstone ice-cream to celebrate. Best news in weeks! ???
Mandy
November 22, 11:37LOL! I was coming to this post to look for you, Delle. You must be very proud of whatever juju you used to make this happen. 😀
Delle
November 22, 20:04Hehe. I should give my Baba a raise?
Ken George
November 22, 14:06I dont the shouts of joy. Zimbabwe simply exchanged on dictator for another. This has nothing to do with democracy or human rights or freedom
quinn
November 22, 22:34Amen to this