Robert MogabeRobert Mugabe has resigned as Zimbabwe’s President; just at the time the parliament began an impeachment process to end his nearly four decades of rule.
The 93-year old had hanged onto power for a week after an army takeover and expulsion from his ruling ZANU-PF party. The party had sacked him and asked him to leave power.
Wild celebrations broke out at a joint sitting of parliament when Speaker Jacob Mudenda announced Mugabe’s resignation and suspended the impeachment procedure.
The origin of Mugabe’s sudden downfall lies in rivalry between members of Zimbabwe’s ruling elite over who will succeed him, rather than popular protests against his rule.
The army staged what looked like a coup last week after Mugabe sacked ZANU-PF’s favourite to succeed him, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
It was believed that Mugabe was preparing a ground for his wife, Grace to ascend the presidency after him.
The 52 year old Grace is known to her critics as “Gucci Grace” for her reputed fondness for luxury shopping.
Mnangagwa, a former security chief, known as The Crocodile, is expected to take over as president.
Source: Reuters[myad]
