Ugandans, world react to Mugabe’s fall

The resignation of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was greeted by hopes of better times for the nation's people, in early reactions from the international community and Uganda, on Tuesday.

Mugabe was pushed off the edge of the 37-year realm after he failed to stitch together factors that were pulling apart and snatching away his seat.

Mugabe is the longest serving political leader alive, hence well known in the country and outside it and his resignation sent both chills and excitement to people over and around the world.

Below are the reactions

Zimbabwe's President Mugabe 'resigns'-BBC News. May have FINALLY DONE IT- Far too late! https://t.co/3ThohJeJIN

— Kifefe Kizza-Besigye (@kizzabesigye1) November 21, 2017

Uganda.

Chris Obore, director of communications parliament of Uganda

Now be ready for the worse and uglier developments from Zimbabwe after Mugabe. Africans don’t have their own meaningful agenda. The only agenda they have is competition for applause from west and competition in regurgitating western concepts. The joyous crowds will be next year crying. Ask Libyans. The change in Zimbabwe is simply because someone was sacked and not because someone saw a better vision. People who don’t not control their own means of production will forever be powerless. No technology, no science of their own, only political propaganda.

Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, FDC President

Our insistence on retaining Article 102(b) is grounded in our desire to secure a smooth and stable transition of power. General Museveni would be best advised to avoid such embarrassment and disgrace.

 Norbert Mao, President Democratic party

Adieu Robert Mugabe! Is it now President Ed Mnangagwa?

Mark 12:10 "The stone that the builders rejected has become the corner stone."

Forum for Democratic Change Party (FDC)

Zimbabwe, the people of Uganda stand with you. It is victory for all of us. We celebrate the end of Mugabe's dictatorship with you. You have energised us here in Uganda.

#Zimbabwe, vanhu veku Uganda vanomira nemi. Tahwinha tese. Tafara tose nekupera kweutongi zveudzvinyirir hwa VaMugabe. Matipa simba isu tirikuno ku Uganda. Tinokutendai

Britain 

British Prime Minister Theresa May said Robert Mugabe's resignation on Tuesday gave Zimbabwe "an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule," and declared Britain stood ready to help.

"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," she said in a statement.

"As Zimbabwe's oldest friend we will do all we can to support this, working with our international and regional partners to help the country achieve the brighter future it so deserves."

Mugabe, who had led Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980, resigned as president on Tuesday as parliament began impeachment proceedings after a military takeover.

Welcoming his decision, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson added to May's call for free and fair elections.

"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," he said.

"The immediate priority is to ensure that Zimbabwe has a legitimate government, appointed through free and fair elections in accordance with the constitution."

Johnson pledged that Britain stood "ready to support Zimbabwe in this goal."

Last week, he also expressed hope for change in the country, but warned that "nobody wants simply to see the transition from one unelected tyrant to the next".

United States

The United States had been calling on all sides to show restraint.

A US State Department spokeswoman called it "a historic opportunity, a historic moment for the people of Zimbabwe... to put an end to Zimbabwe isolation" adding that "the future of Zimbabwe will have to be decided by the people of Zimbabwe".

The US embassy in Harare said: "Whatever short-term arrangements the government may establish, the path forward must lead to free, fair and inclusive elections."

France

France called for a peaceful transfer of power.

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said: "We welcome this decision (by Mugabe) which must open the way for a peaceful political transition, respecting the legitimate aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe."

Zimbabwe opposition

I am so emotional. I never thought I would see this day. Mugabe has resigned in my lifetime. This is a stepping stone towards the Zimbabwe we want. It won't be easy. #Zimbabwe

— Trevor Ncube (@TrevorNcube) November 21, 2017

The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party had been seeking cooperation with other groups to ensure the necessary  votes to impeach Mugabe

MDC chief whip Innocent Gonese said: "The man had run out of options. The writing was on the wall... He was in a state of denial."