US and UK leaders have hailed the resignation of Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe as a 'moment of hope' and 'overdue'.
Their reactions come as the Zimbabwe people take to the streets in scenes of wild jubilation following the end of Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule as president.
Mr Mugabe's resignation - coming as impeachment proceedings begun - was read in parliament sparking MPs to dance and celebrate in joyous scenes.
The news spilled over onto the streets of Harare and across the world as locals danced and sung for hours.
People danced on cars, beeped their horns long into the night and waved their flags as the sun began to go down.
People react after the speaker of the House of Assembly Jacob Mudenda read a letter sent to him by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on his resignation. Source: EPA
Zimbabwe locals also celebrated with the army.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May said the 93-year-old former leader's departure meant the people of Zimbabwe could now choose a new leader freely.
"The resignation of Robert Mugabe provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule," she wrote.
"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."
People celebrate after hearing the news that President Robert Mugabe resigned in Harare, Zimbabwe, 21 November 2017. Source: AAP
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the resignation was a sign of "hope" for Zimbabwe.
He also echoed Ms May's wish that the Zimbabwean people would now be free to choose a leader through a democratic process.
"We have to wait and see exactly how this unfolds but at first sight this is a moment of hope for Zimbabwe and for the people of Zimbabwe," he said.
"For 37 years they've been languishing under the rule of a despot who impoverished their country and what we hope now is that this will be a turning point, a moment when they can go forward to free, fair, democratic elections next year and that's what we will be encouraging together with the rest of our our friends and partners in the region."
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called the change "overdue" and echoed Ms May's call for Zimbabwe to set a new path.
"With the resignation of Robert Mugabe, today marks a historic moment for Zimbabwe. We congratulate all Zimbabweans who raised their voices and stated peacefully and clearly that the time for change was overdue," he said in a statement.
"The United States strongly supports a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe. As events unfold, we continue to call on all parties to exercise restraint and respect constitutional and civilian order."
Meanwhile, politicians, human rights lawyers and journalists turned to social media to rejoice in the celebrations.
Mr Mugabe resigned as Zimbabwe's president on Tuesday ending his 37-year reign of autocratic control and brutality crumbled within days of a military takeover.
The move looks set to bring an end to Zimbabwe's worst political crisis since the country won independence from Britain in 1980.
The bombshell announcement was made by the Speaker at a special joint session of parliament which had convened to impeach the 93-year-old who has dominated every aspect of Zimbabwean public life for decades.
- with AFP
