After 37 years as the president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe has finally stepped down to avoid impeachment and a probable military takeover. This could have been one of the humiliating things after all those years as of autocratic rule. The Zimbabwe parliament was conducting an impeachment motion at the time of his resignation. The speaker read out a letter from the 93-year old to the lawmakers which led to the process of impeachment to be halted.

Joy and celebrations were evident after this anticipated announcement. The former Vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa who was fired from office by Mugabe is expected to succeed.

This information is according to ZANU-PF spokesperson.

Mugabe reign ends

Previously, Mugabe had refused to step down even after being under house arrest after the military intervened. Prior to his resignation, the ruling party, ZANU-PF, had already removed him as their party leader. Mugabe took over power in 1980 from the British colonialists who were the white-minority rulers. Robert Gabriel Mugabe was born in the year 1924, February 21. He is regarded as a revolutionist and a politician who led Zimbabwe first as Prime Minister from 1980 to 1987 and as president from 1987 to 2017.

Mugabe was the chairman of ZANU from 1975 to 1980 and also led its successor (ZANU-PF), from 1980 to 2017. Mugabe first worked as a teacher in Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Ghana.

This is after attending Katama College and the University of Fort Hare. Before resignation, it is believed Mugabe was in talks with General Constantino Chiwenga. General Chiwenga is the head of the armed forces of Zimbabwe.

Military power

The military intervened in order to prevent Mugabe from handing over power to his 52-year-old wife.

Mugabe resignation was inevitable since his top Generals had already deserted from him the day they put him under house arrest. His only option was to resign to escape the humiliation of impeachment or a possible military coup. Mugabe's 37 years rule, was unfolded in less than a month.

On November 14, military tanks were strategically placed outside Harare in readiness for military operations.

This according to an army spokesman who appeared on state TV. Mugabe put a spirited fight till his party ousted him as their leader. This is after six days of clinging on to power. Mnangagwa is expected to take over power till 2018 when fresh elections are carried on.