/ 21 November 2017

Robert Mugabe resigns in what marks the end of an era

In a televised address
In a televised address

Robert Mugabe resigned as president of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda told lawmakers, ending a 37-year rule defined by brutality and economic collapse.

“I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation… with immediate effect,” said speaker Mudenda, reading the letter. 

The bombshell news was delivered to a special joint session of parliament. Lawmakers had convened to debate a motion to impeach Mugabe, who has dominated every aspect of Zimbabwean public life since independence in 1980.

News of Mugabe’s resignation was greeted on the streets of Harare with car horns and wild cheering. 

The political crisis in Zimbabwe started last week with Robert Mugabe insisting that he is still in power despite a military takeover and a rising clamour for him to quit. 

Read more: Timeline: How Zimbabwe’s ‘coup’ unfolded

In forcing Mugabe out, the generals involved have removed one major threat to Zimbabwe’s future.

But in doing so, they have created another one. As tempting as it must be, Zimbabweans cannot let down their guard just yet.

Read more: Editorial: Bye bye Bob, but hello uncertainty

© Agence France-Presse —additional reporting by staff