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Mbeki Will Resign in S. Africa

President agrees to resign in wake of struggle with Jacob Zuma

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 20, 2008 9:03 AM CDT
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(AP) – South African President Thabo Mbeki has agreed to resign following orders from the ruling party. A statement from the presidency says that Mbeki, who succeeded Nelson Mandela in 1999, will "step down after all constitutional requirements have been met." Parliament is due to meet in the coming days to formalize the resignation procedure and is likely to appoint the parliamentary speaker as acting head of state.

The African National Congress' top-level panel decided today to recall Mbeki before the end of his term next year because of a power struggle with party boss Jacob Zuma. The move follows a judge's ruling that Mbeki may have had a role in Zuma being charged with corruption. Despite his 9 years at the top, Mbeki never managed to win the hearts of the masses because of his aloof, academic manner. He drew scorn in the international community for failing to accept the causes and scope of the AIDS crisis.

South African President Thabo Mbeki, left, and ANC deputy President Jacob Zuma embrace at the 52nd African National Congress conference in Polokwane, South Africa.
South African President Thabo Mbeki, left, and ANC deputy President Jacob Zuma embrace at the 52nd African National Congress conference in Polokwane, South Africa.   (AP Photo)
In this July 19, 2008 file photo, African National Congress (ANC) President Jacob Zuma, left, with South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki.
In this July 19, 2008 file photo, African National Congress (ANC) President Jacob Zuma, left, with South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki.   (AP Photo)
African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Gwede Mantashe, speaks during a media briefing in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday Sept. 20, 2008.
African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Gwede Mantashe, speaks during a media briefing in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday Sept. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
In this Sept. 14, 2008 file photo, South African President Thabo Mbeki speaks at a press briefing in Pretoria, South Africa.
In this Sept. 14, 2008 file photo, South African President Thabo Mbeki speaks at a press briefing in Pretoria, South Africa.   (AP Photo/Denis Farrell, File)
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Africa • presidency • South Africa • Thabo Mbeki • Jacob Zuma • African National Congress

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