Full Text Of President Robert Mugabe’s Resignation Letter

Robert Mugabe has resigned as President of Zimbabwe after holding power for 37 years.

His shock resignation came on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, in the form of a letter read out by Zimbabwe parliamentary Speaker Jacob Mudenda to lawmakers gathered at a conference center in Harare.

The lawmakers had gathered to discuss impeachment proceedings against their longtime president.

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Mugabe’s Resignation Letter

State House Harare Zimbabwe.

21 November 2017.

The Honourable Jacob Mudenda.

Notice of Resignation as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

In terms of the provisions of section 96 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe, amendment number 20, 2013.

Following my verbal communication with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda at 13:53 hours, 21st November, 2017 intimating my intention to resign as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe with immediate effect.

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 to ensure a smooth, peaceful and non-violent transfer of power that underpins national security, peace, and stability.

Kindly give public notice of my resignation as soon as possible as required by section 96 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe.

Yours faithfully, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

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After the letter was read, lawmakers from the ruling party and opposition burst into celebration, as Zimbabweans took to the streets dancing, singing and waving flags as the news got to them.

Following President Robert Mugabe’s resignation, the ruling Zanu-PF party says former Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will succeed him.

Mnangagwa has maintained a low profile since his firing as VP. He, however, released a statement on Tuesday criticizing his former boss and his regime’s “corruption, incompetency, dereliction of duty and laziness, social and cultural decadency.”

“I told the President that the current political and constitutional crisis in the country is not a matter between him and myself but between the people of Zimbabwe and President Mugabe,” Mnangagwa said in a statement sent to journalists.

“The people of Zimbabwe have clearly spoken on this matter. To me, the voice of the people is the voice of God and their lack of trust and confidence in the leadership of President Mugabe has been expressed.”

Mr. Mnangagwa is expected to return from neighboring South Africa and could be appointed as the new president on Thursday.