Robert Mugabe resigns as Zimbabwe's president, ushers tears and joy of celebrations on the streets
The streets of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, erupted in celebration on Tuesday after President Robert Mugabe resigned, ending 37 years in power
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The streets of Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, erupted in celebration on Tuesday after President Robert Mugabe resigned, ending 37 years in power. Reuters
Mugabe's tenure ended in an announcement at a special joint session of parliament where MPs had convened to impeach the 93-year-old who dominated every aspect of Zimbabwean public life for decades.
On the streets, the news that his long and often brutal leadership was over sparked celebrations on Tuesday evening. Car horns honked and large crowds erupted into ecstatic cheers and dancing.
The crowds gathered brandishing national flags and often praising army chief General Constantino Chiwenga who led the military's power-grab. Some people were holding posters of Zimbabwean army chief Constantino Chiwenga and Mnangagwa, whose sacking this month triggered the military takeover.
Mugabe had ruled Zimbabwe almost unopposed since independence in 1980 — but efforts to position Grace Mugabe, 52, as his successor prompted intervention from the military that underpinned his regime.