Robert Mugabe’s bombshell decision to resign as Zimbabwe’s president after 37 years of autocratic rule has been hailed by the international community as a chance to reshape the country’s future.
The exit of the oldest serving head of state, at 93, has brought to an end Zimbabwe’s worst political crisis since independence in 1980, in a development widely hailed as “historic”.
The UK, Zimbabwe’s former colonial ruler, greeted the news as a crucial turning point in Zimbabwe’s history.
“The resignation of Robert Mugabe provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule,” said British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: “I will not pretend to regret Mugabe’s downfall; but this can now be a turning point, a moment of hope for this beautiful country, full of potential.”
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it offered Zimbabwe “an extraordinary opportunity to set itself on a new path”. He congratulated Zimbabweans “who raised their voices and stated peacefully and clearly that the time for change was overdue”. A state department spokeswoman said it was a chance “to put an end to Zimbabwe’s isolation”.
The US embassy in Harare made an appeal for fresh elections: “Whatever short-term arrangements the Zimbabwean government may establish, the path forward must lead to free, fair and inclusive elections.”
AU Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat said Mugabe would be remembered as “a fearless pan-Africanist liberation fighter and the father of the independent Zimbabwean nation”.
The bloc said his departure was clearly in line with the will of the people. “The AU recognises that the Zimbabwean people have expressed their will that there should be a peaceful transfer of power in a manner that secures the democratic future of their country.”
Beijing, which became a major political and economic partner of Mugabe’s regime as it was shunned by the West, said it respected his decision and would continue “friendly” relations with Harare.
“China respects Mr Mugabe’s decision to resign and he is still a good friend of the Chinese people,” foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.
France called for a peaceful transfer of power in line with the will of the people. “We welcome this decision which must open the way for a peaceful political transition, respecting the legitimate aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe,” said Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
AFPTHER