Streets erupt in parties as Robert Mugabe resigns and country waits for new president

  • Video report by ITV News Africa Correspondent John Ray

Jubilant Zimbabweans celebrated in the streets until the early hours after president Robert Mugabe resigned last night.

Recently-fired vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa will take over as leader within 48 hours, ruling party chief whip Lovemore Matuke said.

Zimbabweans erupted in response to Mr Mugabe's resignation, cheering and dancing in the streets.

He announced he was stepping down in the middle of impeachment proceedings again him.

In a letter read out in parliament, Mr Mugabe wrote: "My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power."

Cars began honking horns and people cheered in the streets, as the news spread across the capital Harare.

  • Video report by ITV News Correspondent Martin Geissler

Before the resignation, crowds rallied outside parliament, dancing and singing.

Some people placed photos of Mr Mugabe in the street so that cars would run over them.

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC party said the culture of the ruling party, ZANU-PF, "must end" and everyone must put their heads together and work toward free and fair elections.

Mr Mugabe's resignation follows moves by both Zimbabwe's ruling and opposition parties to impeach the 93-year-old leader.

Impeachment allegations against Mr Mugabe included that he "allowed his wife to usurp constitutional power" and that he is "of advanced age" and too incapacitated to rule.

Mr Mugabe also was accused of allowing unpopular first lady Grace Mugabe to threaten to kill former vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa and other officials.

Earlier today pressure had come from Mr Mnangagwa, who said Mr Mugabe should acknowledge the nation's "insatiable desire" for a leadership change and resign immediately.

It is a stunning end for what was the world's oldest head of state.

Mr Mugabe has been in charge since the end of white minority rule in 1980, but the military moved in last week after he fired Mr Mnangagwa and appeared to position the polarising first lady to succeed him.

Grace Mugabe was long seen as her husband's successor. Credit: PA

The prospect of a dynastic succession alarmed the military, which confined Mr Mugabe to his home last week and targeted what it called "criminals" around him who were allegedly looting state resources - a reference to associates of the first lady.

British PM Theresa May said his resignation allows Zimbabwe to move on "free of the oppression that characterised his rule".

"In recent days we have seen the desire of the Zimbabwean people for free and fair elections and the opportunity to rebuild the country’s economy under a legitimate government," Ms May said.

"As Zimbabwe’s oldest friend we will do all we can to support this, working with our international and regional partners to help the country achieve the brighter future it so deserves."

Boris Johnson said the end of Mr Mugabe's reign appeared to be a "moment of hope" for the people of Zimbabwe, and should not be allowed to mark "the transition from one despotic rule to another".

The Foreign Secretary said it was now a matter for Zimbabweans to decide what happens to Mr Mugabe and his wife Grace.

Robert and Grace Mugabe at a Zanu PF rally. Credit: PA

The US Embassy in Zimbabwe said Mr Mugabe's resignation "marks an historic moment" for the country and congratulated all Zimbabweans who raised their voices.

The statement said that "whatever short-term arrangements the government may establish, the path forward must lead to free, fair and inclusive elections".

The United States also urges "unwavering respect for the rule of law".

In 2003 the US imposed targeted sanctions, a travel ban and an asset freeze against Mr Mugabe and close associates, citing his government's rights abuses and evidence of electoral fraud.