Zimbabweans cheer as Mugabe steps down as President
Harare, Nov 22 (IBNS): Thousands of Zimbabweans cheered and partied all night long in the national capital after Robert Mugabe stepped down as the country's President, ending a near-four-decade rule.
His resignation came in form of a letter, read out by the Speaker of the Parliament.
In his letter, Mugabe said he was resigning to 'allow a smooth and peaceful transfer of power', and was doing so 'voluntary'.
Mugabe assumed power in 1987 as the President of Zimbabwe and had ruled ever since.
The country's second President, Mugabe was the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987, prior to his elevation as the President.
He was a popular leader and over the years amassed the support of important people and organisation in the country, but one wrong move paved his downfall, rather quickly.
It all went pear shaped for the 93-year-old after he sacked his powerful Vice-President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, two weeks ago, as the country plunged into a political turmoil.
Soon the Army intervened and Mugabe was put under house arrest.
Political commentators have stated that the move was ill-conceived and hasty and was done in a bid to clear the way for his 52-year-old wife, Grace Mugabe.
Mnangagwa, nicknamed the 'crocodile' for his political acumen and shrewdness, reportedly fled the nation after his sacking, but has returned since.
He has in the past held important positions, including that of looking after the country's defence and security.
Meanwhile, Mugabe's departure has been greeted with equal cheer from both the incumbent and opposition parties.
Activist and political candidate Vimbaishe Musvaburi told the BBC, "We are tired of this man, we are so glad he's gone. We don't want him anymore and yes, today, it's victory."
Mnangagwa is likely to succeed Mugabe as the country's new President.
However, according to commentators, Zimbabwe's political culture needs a change.
Senior Zimbabwean opposition politician David Coltart tweeted: "We have removed a tyrant but not yet a tyranny."
Mugabe had once famously said that 'only God' could remove him.
He was, until his removal, the oldest leader in the world.
Image: Wallpaper
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