Yahoo News The Queen becomes the world’s oldest living head of state after Robert Mugabe steps down
Queen Elizabeth II is now the world’s oldest living head of state after Robert Mugabe brought his 37-year reign as President of Zimbabwe to an end last night.
As the leader finally stood down as his own party began impeachment proceedings against him, the Queen immediately took his place as the oldest reigning head of state.
Mugabe had ruled for 37 years before his resignation, presiding over a period of social and economic turmoil, and his exit sparked jubilant celebrations in Zimbabwe.
At 91, The Queen is two years younger than 93-year-old Mugabe, and became Britain’s longest reigning monarch in September 2015 after taking the honour from Queen Victoria.
She is closely followed by Beji Caid Essebsi, the 90-year-old president of Tunisia, and Sheikh Sabah IV Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the 88-year-old Emir of Kuwait.
In fourth place is Raul Castro, the 86-year-old President of Cuba, who took the role from brother Fidel in 2006.
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Mugabe is now expected to be succeeded by Zimbabwe’s recently fired vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who will take over within 48 hours of Mugabe’s resignation.
He was initially expected to leave the post on Sunday during a televised speech, but he refused to leave and instead vowed to reform his government.
His eventual resignation came after Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, had begun the process to impeach the longstanding President.
Confirming his resignation in a statement, Mugabe said: ‘My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power.’
