FILE PHOTO – Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe gestures at an election rally in the small town of Shamva, Zimbabwe May 29, 2008. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo/File Photo
By: Tyson Lautenschlager
One of the world’s longest serving political rulers, Robert Mugabe, has stepped down from his post as Zimbabwe’s president following moves to impeach him. Mugabe’s rule over Zimbabwe ends after 37 years.
In a letter sent to Parliament, Mugabe said he was resigning to “allow for a smooth transition of power.”
“I, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, hereby formally tender my resignation as President of Zimbabwe with immediate effect,” he wrote.
Mugabe has been the country’s president since it rose to independence from Britain in 1980.
The announcement comes on the heels of the country’s military attempting to seize his power and placing him under house arrest six days ago. In a speech on Sunday night, Mugabe was expected to resign, but failed to do so.
Following the announcement of his resignation, members of parliament reportedly reacted with jubilation.