Mugabe resigns as president

Zimbabwe has been thrown into mass celebration after long time President, Robert Mugabe resigned as president of the southern African country, after 37 years as head of state on Tuesday.

Mugabe defied demands to step down for almost a week after a military takeover and expulsion from his own ruling ZANU-PF party.

Zimbabwe's Parliament erupted in cheers as the speaker announces and reads out the resignation letter of President Robert Mugabe.

I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation ... with immediate effect," said Mudenda, reading the letter.

My decision to resign is voluntary on my part. It 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.

MPs reaction to Mugabe resignation pic.twitter.com/EN9weQ3sFB

— Open Parly ZW (@OpenParlyZw) November 21, 2017

The speaker stopped impeachment proceedings to say they had received a letter from Mugabe with the resignation "with immediate effect".

Lawmakers roared in jubilation and people have begun celebrating in the streets.

The day had the feel of an Independence Day' as the news also sparked scenes of jubilation in the capital, Harare, as people cheered, danced and blared horns to celebrate Mugabe's departure. 

🇿🇼 Zimbabweans celebrate in the streets of Harare 🇿🇼#MugabeResigns pic.twitter.com/U5fh0QvLkJ

— News24 (@News24) November 21, 2017

🇿🇼 A group of ecstatic Zimbabweans chanting "rest in peace, rest in peace" outside the rainbow towers where the Parliamentarians met earlier#MugabeResigns pic.twitter.com/HDI6TchwEe

— News24 (@News24) November 21, 2017

The sun has set in Harare, but overjoyed Zimbabweans are just getting started with their celebrations 🇿🇼#MugabeResigns pic.twitter.com/Os2ICbHtm3

— News24 (@News24) November 21, 2017

The surprise announcement came as lawmakers debated an impeachment motion against Mugabe in a joint sitting of parliament.

Mugabe had previously refused to resign despite last week's military takeover, and days of protests.

I can confirm Robert Mugabe has resigned. Speaker has announced #Zimbabawe

— Trevor Ncube (@TrevorNcube) November 21, 2017

From one of Mugabe’s G40 stalwarts, supposedly under arrest/confined.... https://t.co/hD1cH7IDJ4

— Lindsey Hilsum (@lindseyhilsum) November 21, 2017

Mugabe who is the world's oldest head of state after 37 years in power has been in power since independence in 1980. 

The letter did not mention who would take over from Mr Mugabe.

The constitution says it should be the current vice-president, Phelekezela Mphoko, a supporter of Grace Mugabe, Mr Mugabe's wife.

Mr Mudenda said moves were under way to ensure a new leader could take over by late on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said the resignation of Robert Mugabe on Tuesday gave Zimbabwe "an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule".

She said Britain, the former colonial power, would do "all we can" to support "the desire of the Zimbabwean people for free and fair elections and the opportunity to rebuild the country's economy under a legitimate government".

Robert Mugabe has been in power since independence in 1980. Mr Mugabe has won elections, but over the past 15 years these have been marred by violence against political opponents.

He has presided over a deepening economic crisis in Zimbabwe, where people are on average 15% poorer now than they were in 1980.