‘We have removed a tyrant but not yet a tyranny’

Prime Minister Theresa May said the resignation of Robert Mugabe provided Zimbabwe with a “new path free of oppression”.

In a statement released after the president’s resignation, Mrs May said: “In recent days we have seen the desire of the Zimbabwean people for free and fair elections and the opportunity to rebuild the country’s economy under a legitimate government.

“As Zimbabwe’s oldest friend we will do all we can to support this, working with our international and regional partners to help the country achieve the brighter future it so deserves.”

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the resignation was a “moment of hope” for the people of Zimbabwe, and should not be allowed to mark “the transition from one despotic rule to another”.

He said: “I think it’s very important at the moment that we don’t focus too much on the personalities, let’s concentrate on the potential, the hope for Zimbabwe – an incredible country, a beautiful country blessed with extraordinary physical and human potential.

“What we need to see now is free, fair democratic elec- tions and above all not a transition from one despotic rule to another.

“Working with our South African friends, with everybody in the region, that is what we are going to be encouraging, that is the choice we are going to encourage the Zimbabweans to make.”

Zimbabwean opposition politician David Coltart tweeted: “We have removed a tyrant but not yet a tyranny.”