World hails Mugabe exit as opportunity for Zimbabwe
Paris, Nov 22, 2017 (AFP) 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.
His exit on Tuesday brought to an end Zimbabwe's worst political crisis since independence in 1980, in a development widely hailed as "historic".
Here are some of the key reactions to the departure of Mugabe, who at 93, had been the oldest serving head of state in the world.
- Britain -
The former colonial ruler greeted news of Mugabe's departure 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."
- United States -
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it offered Zimbabwe "an extraordinary opportunity to set itself on a new path".
He congratulated all 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 historic chance "to put an end to Zimbabwe's isolation".
The US embassy in Harare made an appeal for fresh elections, saying: "Whatever short-term arrangements the government may establish, the path forward must lead to free, fair and inclusive elections."
- The African Union -
Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomed Mugabe's decision, saying he would be remembered as "a fearless pan-Africanist liberation fighter, and the father of the independent Zimbabwean nation."
The bloc said his departure, expedited by a military takeover, was clearly in line with the will of the people.
"The African Union 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," it said.
"President Mugabe's decision to resign paves the way for a transition process, owned and led by the sovereign people of Zimbabwe."
- China -
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 -
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.
