Robert Mugabe on Tuesday resigned as Zimbabwe’s president, ending his 37-year reign of autocratic control and brutality, days after a military takeover.
The move looks set to bring an end to Zimbabwe’s worst-ever political crisis since the country won independence from Britain in 1980.
The bombshell announcement was made by the Speaker at a special joint session of parliament which had convened to impeach the 93-year-old who has dominated every aspect of Zimbabwean public life for decades.
On the streets, the news sparked an explosion of wild celebration, with car horns honking and people erupting into ecstatic cheers and frenzied dancing.
The letter in full:
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
