World reacts to Mugabe resignation
World leaders have reacted after the globe's oldest head of state resigned yesterday - ushering in a new dawn for the people of Zimbabwe.
"I will not pretend to regret Mugabe’s downfall. Today is a moment of hope for the people of Zimbabwe. The UK will support them." - The UK's Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs, Boris Johnson tweeted following the news.
Robert Mugabe - who has been at the helm since the country gained independence in 1980 - resigned yesterday after members of Parliament deliberated on his possible impeachment.
75-year-old Emmerson Mnangagwa was named president of the ruling ZANU-PF party and he is expected to be sworn in as interim president of the country.
The UN's Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq said they expect all leaders to listen to their people.
Zimbabweans have been reacting to the news, saying their hope in the country and the economy has been renewed.
Activist and leader of the #SheVotes campaign, Maureen Kademaunga said it was exciting to wake up to the fact that the only president she's ever known is no longer clinging to power.
"I travelled from Harare this morning. I can tell you that the young people of Zimbabwe are jubilant. They were on the street, celebrating. Zimbabwe has become a perfect graveyard for buried hope and aspirations. Our people has lost hope. The one thing that was immediately brought back to life after yesterday's announcement - is hope that we might see our country take a different trajectory," she says.
Live reaction from Harare, Zimbabwe following resignation of Robert Mugabe pic.twitter.com/J58fQqFTDt via @CNN
— Evan Rosenfeld (@Evan_Rosenfeld) November 21, 2017
I’m proud of my birth country #Zimbabwe for removing #Mugabe peacefully & patiently. Thank you army. And foreign countries for staying out.
— Fadzai Matambanadzo (@Fadzai_M) November 21, 2017
A peaceful end to the events in #Zimbabwe over the last few days, with the resignation of the President. Top marks to the defence force for a job well done. We continue to pray for peace, stability and growth.
— Mufti Ismail Menk (@muftimenk) November 21, 2017
Read Mugabe's resignation letter in full, below.
State House
Harare
Zimbabwe
21 November 2017
The Honourable Jacob Mudenda
Notice of resignation as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe
In terms of the provisions of section 96 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe, amendment number 20, 2013. Following my verbal communication with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda at 13:53 hours, 21st November, 2017 intimating my intention to resign as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe 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 to ensure a smooth, peaceful and non-violent transfer of power that underpins national security, peace and stability.
Kindly give public notice of my resignation as soon as possible as required by section 96 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe.
Yours faithfully,
Robert Gabriel Mugabe President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.