Robert Mugabe eventually stepped president of Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe eventually stepped president of Zimbabwe yesterday following MPs from both sides of the political split united in an effort to impeach him and tens of thousands pledged to sleep on the roads till he stopped.

His death brings to an end a barbarous 37-year rule and ignited scenes of jubilation as Zimbabweans cheered, cried and hoisted soldiers on with their shoulders, bringing visitors in the capital, Harare, to a standstill. His death from public office leaves the Queen because the planet's oldest head of state.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75, the former deputy whose dismissal by Mr Mugabe led to a coup last week, was picked as interim president.