Robert Mugabe had been the world‘s oldest head of state at the age of 93
World’s renowned Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has resigned shortly after National parliament began an impeachment process to end his nearly four decades of the rule.
House of Assembly speaker Jacob Mudenda announced the resignation during a joint sitting of lawmakers in Harare, the capital, called to vote on a motion for the impeachment of Mugabe.
Earlier Mugabe sacked his Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, also known as ‘The Crocodile’ who had been engaged in a succession battle with his wife Grace Mugabe.
Mugabe’s resignation came days after the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front party fired him as its leader and ordered him to step down.
He had been the world’s oldest head of state at the age of 93, said that proper procedures should be followed to install new leadership.
He was also accused of allowing his unpopular first lady Grace Mugabe to threaten to kill the recently fired Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other officials.
Mugabe has been in power since the country announced its independence in 1980 and has been accused of using violent torture to silence his opponents.
The Speaker of Zimbabwe’s Assembly said he was working on legal issues to make sure a new leader was in place by the end of today.
According to sources, Mnangagwa is expected to become, within the next 48 hours, Zimbabwe’s interim leader ahead of elections scheduled for next year.
Thousands of Zimbabweans poured onto the streets of Harare at the news of Mr Mugabe’s resignation, with the capital erupting in dancing, singing, honking and cheers.
Some people were holding posters of Zimbabwean army chief Constantino Chiwenga and Mr Mnangagwa, who’s sacking this month triggered the military takeover that forced Mr Mugabe to resign. Zimbabweans in other countries also celebrated the downfall of their long-time leader.