The United States has congratulated Zimbabweans for peacefully forcing Robert Mugabe to step down.
In a statement, the U.S Embassy Harare said, “Tonight marks an historic moment for Zimbabwe. We congratulate all Zimbabweans who raised their voices and stated peacefully and clearly that the time for change was overdue.
“As Secretary Tillerson recently stated, Zimbabwe has an historic opportunity to set itself on a new path. Through that process, the United States urges unwavering respect for the rule of law and for established democratic practices. “
It further said the country should transition towards establishing a democratic state. “Whatever short-term arrangements the government may establish, the path forward must lead to free, fair, and inclusive elections, in which the people of Zimbabwe, are free to assemble peacefully without undue interference and to voice their opinions without fear, choose their own leaders.”
The United States imposed targeted sanctions on Mugabe and his inner circle for alleged human rights abuses and election rigging.
Mr. Mugabe has been in power for more than 37 years and is being accused of committing atrocities in Matabeleland and the Midlands provinces under the guise of eliminating dissidents, which he linked to the then Zapu leader Joshua Nkomo.
At least 20,000 people were killed by the infamous North Korean trained Fifth Brigade.