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The speaker, Jacob Mudenda, read out a letter in which Mugabe said he was stepping down “with immediate effect” for “the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and the need for a peaceful transfer of power.” Lawmakers erupted into cheers, and jubilant residents poured into the streets of Harare, the capital. It seemed to be an abrupt capitulation by Mugabe, 93, the world’s oldest head of state and one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

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Zimbabwe's members of parliament celebrate after Mugabe's resignation in Harare.JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP / Getty Images

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Harare residents celebrate in front of the parliament after the resignation of Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe.MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP / Getty Images

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Zimbabweans celebrate outside the parliament building immediately after hearing the news that President Robert Mugabe had resigned, in downtown Harare.Ben Curtis/The Associated Press

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A man waves a Zimbabwean national flag as he celebrates with other citizens in the streets of Harare after the resignation of President Mugabe.MARCO LONGARI/AFP / Getty Images

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Zimbabweans celebrate and ride on cars outside the parliament building immediately after hearing the news that President Robert Mugabe had resigned, in downtown Harare.Ben Curtis/The Associated Press

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Zimbabwe's members of parliament celebrate after Mugabe's resignation in Harare.JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP / Getty Images

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Zimbabweans celebrate after President Robert Mugabe resigns in Harare.MIKE HUTCHINGS/Reuters

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Zimbabweans celebrate outside the parliament building immediately after hearing the news that President Robert Mugabe had resigned, in downtown Harare.Ben Curtis/The Associated Press

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Zimbabweans celebrate with soldiers after President Robert Mugabe resigns in Harare.MIKE HUTCHINGS/Reuters

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Zimbabweans shouts as they gather at Unity square opposite to the Parliament to protest against Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Harare.MUJAHID SAFODIEN/AFP / Getty Images

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