Robert Mugabe resigns after 37 YEARS as Zimbabwe's president

Last updated: 21 November 2017, 6:18 pm

Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe has resigned as president.

The 93-year-old sent a letter to Jacob Mudenda, the speaker of the parliament.

He said he had chosen to step down "to allow the smooth transfer of power", and that he made the decision voluntarily.

The surprise announcement halted an impeachment hearing that had begun against him.

On Sunday he failed to stand down as expected during a national address, instead telling Zimbabweans that they must "learn to forgive".

He had been in power since the African nation achieved independence in 1980.

Mugabe – who was the world’s oldest head of state – had up to now refused to step aside even in the face of a military takeover last week, which were followed by days of protests against his presidency.

His resignation leaves Queen Elizabeth as the world's oldest head of state.

What next?

People are celebrating the news by dancing in the streets of the capital Harare.

Jubilant roars began in parliament when the speaker read Mugabe's letter to lawmakers.

The political crisis began last week when the now ex-president sacked Emmerson Mnangagwa as from his vice-president position to clear a path for his wife, Grace, to succeed him.

Officials from ruling party ZANU-PF have said Mnangagwa will be installed as leader within 48 hours.

Tonight marks an historic moment for Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/OewjfvsonJ

— U.S. Embassy Harare (@usembassyharare) November 21, 2017

The constitution states that the next president should be the current vice-president, Phelekezela Mphoko.

He is a supporter of Grace Mugabe and it remains unclear what will happen.

Mudenda said that actions are ongoing to get a new leader in place by Wednesday.

Details of what will happen to former president and first lady are not known.

Mugabe presided over a failing economy that left people vastly poorer than they were when he took over.

In 2008 the country's hyperinflation peaked at 231,000,000%, which led to Zimbabwe suspending its own currency.