Mugabe quits at long last
Dictator resigns during party bid to impeach him
ROBERT Mugabe yesterday quit as Zimbabwe’s president after 37 years.
Crowds took to the streets to celebrate as the 93-year-old dictator finally stepped down.
His former deputy Emmerson “The Crocodile” Mnangagwa is expected to take charge within the next 48 hours.
It remained unclear last night what will happen to Mugabe and his controversial wife “Gucci Grace”, who dreamed of being his successor.
One-time ally and party chief whip Lovemore Matuke said: “We have fought the lion and won.”
Nelson Chamisa, deputy leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, added: “This is a great moment for the people of Zimbabwe.
“We want to start a new beginning.”
The dictator was in the process of being formally impeached in parliament by his party Zanu-PF when the speaker suddenly called a halt to proceedings.
He then read a letter from Mugabe which said: “I, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, formally tender my resignation with immediate effect.
“My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power.”
Parliament erupted with cheers from MPs.
Mugabe had largely been confined to his house since a coup against him began last week.
On Sunday, he was sacked by Zanu-PF, increasing pressure on him to quit.
Prime Minister Theresa May welcomed his decision.
She said: “The resignation of Robert Mugabe provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule.”