Mugabe resigns from Zimbabwe Presidential Post

Harare, Nov 22 : Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has submitted his resignation after nearly ruling for four decades as the country's leader.

Mugabe defied demands to step down for almost a week after a military takeover and expulsion from his own ruling ZANU-PF party but stepped down on Tuesday, just as parliament started proceedings to impeach him.

Cheers broke out at a special session of parliament as speaker Jacob Mudenda read out Mugabe's resignation letter.

"I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation ... with immediate effect," said Mudenda, reading the letter.

The news also sparked scenes of jubilation in the capital, Harare, as large crowds cheered, danced and sang celebrating Mugabe's departure for hours.

"People are coming out onto the streets, they are calling this day Independence Day," Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa, reporting from Harare, said.