Mugabe ‘relieved to resign’

Zimbabwe’s former president, Robert Mugabe, knew it was “the end of the road” days before he quit, and appeared relieved when he signed his resignation letter after 37 years in power, a Catholic priest who mediated talks leading to his ouster said.

Fidelis Mukonori said in an interview that Mugabe, under immense pressure in his final days as president, wanted a gradual and “smooth” transition of power to Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mugabe had to resort to “Plan B” – an immediate resignation – after Mnangagwa did not return from exile at Mugabe’s request, according to Mukonori.