Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe resigns, ending 37-year rule

[Valin]

BBC

Nov. 21 2017

 

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has resigned, parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda has said. A letter from Mr Mugabe said that the decision was voluntary and that he had made it to allow a smooth transition of power. The surprise announcement halted an impeachment hearing that had begun against him. Lawmakers roared in jubilation and people have begun celebrating in the streets

 

Mr Mugabe, 93, was until now the world's oldest leader. He had previously refused to resign despite last week's military takeover and days of protests. The letter did not mention who would take over from Mr Mugabe, who has been in power since independence in 1980. The constitution says it should be the current vice-president, Phelekezela Mphoko, a supporter of Grace Mugabe, Mr Mugabe's wife

 

But many see it as likely that former vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa, Grace Mugabe's chief rival and a man whose sacking earlier this month triggered the crisis, will be the next president. Mr Mudenda said moves were under way to ensure a new leader could take over by late on Wednesday.

(Snip)

 

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