Jubilant scenes have erupted on the streets of Zimbabwe as Robert Mugabe resigned as president.
Honking and singing broke out on the streets of the country's capital, Harare, on Tuesday after the 93-year-old said he was stepping down after 37 years in power.
Mr Mugabe made the announcement in a letter read out to parliament, which came in the middle of impeachment proceedings and after a massive demonstration in Harare over the weekend.
Politicians hugged and cheered in parliament as the announcement was made.
Celebrations in Zimbabwe following Robert Mugabe's resignation
Activists greeted the extraordinary end of Mugabe's time in power with tears and there was dancing in the streets as the news broke.
The world's oldest head of state had vowed to rule until death.
Images and video from the capital showed crowds of people celebrate the end of Mugabe’s reign.
Zimbabwe's parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda confirmed the news this afternoon after a motion was delivered to have him impeached for refusing to step down.
Mugabe said he resigned to “allow a smooth transfer of power”.
In a resignation letter, he wrote: "Kindly give public notice of my decision as soon as possible.
"My decision to resign is voluntary on my part."
Robert Mugabe - In pictures
Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a former security chief known as The Crocodile, is expected to take over as president within 48 hours, officials said.
Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday Robert Mugabe's resignation gave Zimbabwe the chance to forge a new path, free from oppression.
"The resignation of Robert Mugabe provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule," May said.
"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."
May added in a statement that Britain, as "Zimbabwe's oldest friend", would do all it could to support the country.
