By Christian Smith

President Robert Mugabe has resigned as President of Zimbabwe, parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda has said.

In a letter read by Mr Mudenda, the 93-year-old who has been in power since 1980, said he was resigning “with immediate effect.”

“I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation… with immediate effect.”

On Sunday, the Army seized control of the government and put the President under house arrest, but Mr Mugabe stayed firm and refused to leave.

Emmerson Mnangawa would be sworn in as President in the next 24-hours.