Zimbabwe live: Robert Mugabe resigns as President after Parliament begin impeachment process
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Zimbabwe's President of 37 years Robert Mugabe has resigned.
In a letter, Mr Mugabe said the decision was voluntary, but he did not attempt to name a successor.
The surprise move brought impeachment procedures, which had begun following a rambling speech on Sunday night, to a halt.
"We are here because we want to be part of this very important occasion in the history of this country," said Harare resident Samuel Wadzai.
Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai told the crowd outside Parliament that a "democratic Zimbabwe cannot be built by another un-democratic process."
Mr Tsvangirai said the culture of the ruling party "must end" and everyone must put their heads together and work toward free and fair elections.
Boris Johnson has reacted to Mr Mugabe's resignation.
British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson welcomed what he called a “moment of hope for the people of Zimbabwe.
“For the past thirty seven years they’ve been languishing under a despot,” he said.
But he warned:“I think it's very important at the moment that we don't focus too much on the personalities, let's concentrate on the potential, the hope for Zimbabwe - an incredible country, a beautiful country blessed with extraordinary physical and human potential.”
He added: “What we need to see now is free, fair, democratic elections. Not a transition from one despotic regime to another.”
US Embassy in Zimbabwe calls for free elections
The US has called for free and fair elections and unwavering respect for the rule of law in Zimbabwe following what it called the “historic moment” of Robert Mugabe's resignation as president.
“Tonight marks a historic moment for Zimbabwe,” the US embassy in Harare said in a statement. “Whatever short-term arrangements the government may establish, the path forward must lead to free, fair and inclusive elections.”
Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster finally announces resignation of Robert Mugabe
Zimbabwe's state broadcaster is announcing the resignation of President Robert Mugabe more than two hours after the news was announced in Parliament during impeachment proceedings.
The broadcaster had been running normally scheduled programming and was showing agriculture programme Talking Farming when the news broke.
The nightly newscast says a new leader could be sworn in within 24 hours.
It reports "wild cheers and jubilation" in the streets and shows footage of crowds dancing in the capital, Harare.
Now that Mugabe is gone, this is how Zimbabwe can rebuild itself
“So the old monster has gone. Now Zimbabwe can be rich again,” writes The Independent’s Sean O’Grady
Read the full story:
Queen Elizabeth II now world’s oldest head of state after Robert Mugabe
Robert Mugabe's resignation as President of Zimbabwe at the age of 93 has pushed Queen Elizabeth II into the position of the world's oldest living head of state.
Here are the current top eight oldest heads of state:
1. Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom: Age - 91
2. Beji Caid Essebsi, Tunisia: Age - 90
3. Sheikh Sabah IV Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait: Age - 88
4. Raul Castro, Cuba: Age - 86
5. Paul Biya, Cameroon: Age - 84
6. Michel Aoun, Lebanon: Age - 84
7. Akihito, Emperor of Japan: Age - 83
8. King Salaman, Saudi Arabia: Age - 81
How Robert Mugabe's resignation unfolded: A moment of silence, then pandemonium
On the streets of the capital, ordinary Zimbabweans tell The Independent Robert and Grace Mugabe must “face the music”, writes Kim Sengupta.
Read the full story:
Amnesty International says Zimbabwe “deserves better”, and highlights Robert Mugabe’s human rights record
Amnesty International secretary-general Salil Shetty said in a statement that the people of Zimbabwe deserve better “after more than three decades of violent repression.”
Shetty said that during Mugabe's 37 years in power, “tens of thousands of people were tortured, forcibly disappeared or killed. President Mugabe condoned human rights violations, defended criminal actions of his officials and allowed a culture of impunity for grotesque crimes to thrive.”
Some Zimbabweans and observers are watching with concern as Mugabe's longtime deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa is poised to be sworn in within 24 hours.
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