The rule of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe is over after he tendered his resignation in a letter to parliament, according to the house speaker.
The 93 year old has been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980.
Mugabe’s future had been the subject of intense speculation in recent days, after the Central Committee of the ruling ZANU-PF Party gave him an ultimatum to step down.
The firing of then vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa earlier this month prompted a military takeover, which culminated in Mugabe’s resignation. It’s not clear, however, who is in charge in the wake of his departure, Reuters reports.
On Sunday, Mugabe made known his intention to preside over the ZANU-PF congress next month. However, on Monday, the party announced plans to impeach him. In a statement cited by Reuters, the party said Mugabe had already been informed of his removal.
Videos shared on social media in Zimbabwe show locals appearing to celebrate news of Mugabe’s departure.
Earlier crowds gathered outside the national parliament in the capital Harare to voice their opposition to Mugabe.