Mugabe resigns as president

The Washington Post

HARARE, ZIMBABWE» Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s leader for nearly four decades, resigned Tuesday after being sidelined by the military, according to the speaker of Parliament. The announcement marked the end of a tumultuous reign that went from the country’s independence through economic collapse.

The capital erupted in cheers, with crowds pouring into the streets, motorists honking horns and citizens giving high-fives to soldiers.

Mugabe’s exit marks a historic moment that will echo across Africa, where he was among the last surviving heroes of the anticolonial struggle to remain in power, a leader who went from being lionized to being criticized as autocratic and brutal.

“The dictator is gone!” Takudzwa Jonasi, 32, chemical engineer, shouted as he celebrated with a jubilant crowd outside Parliament.

“For our generation we have never seen any change. We were not allowed to exercise our rights,” he added. Like many Zimbabweans, who has known no other leader.

“I am so happy the dictator is gone. I can’t speak, I have no words. We are finally free!” exclaimed Shoes Tazviwan, 36, a chef who had joined the demonstrations.

In the end, the world’s oldest head of state was a victim of his own allies. After years of purging members of his inner circle, Mugabe had alienated the leaders of Zimbabwe’s military, who detained him and seized control of the country’s government.

The announcement came a week after the military announced it essentially assumed control of the country and detained the 93year-old president. After days of negotiations Mugabe went quietly, sending his resignation letter to Parliament, where it was read by the speaker, Jacob Mudenda.