South Africa political crisis: Embattled President Jacob Zuma resigns after pressure from ruling party

Jacob Zuma has relented to the intense pressure from the ruling party African National Congress (ANC) and resigned as South Africa’s President.

The embattled President Jacob Zuma, in a televised statement on wednesday said he was resigning with immediate effect. However, he added that he disagreed with the ruling party’s decision.

Earlier, the ruling party ANC had asked Zuma to resign as President or face a confidence vote in the Parliament.

Zuma said ANC’s decision to formally ask him to step down was influenced by the internal violence and division of the party.

"No life should be lost in my name and also the ANC should never be divided in my name. I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect," he said.

Also Read | Political crisis in South Africa, ruling party ANC decides President Jacob Zuma must go

"Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organisation, I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC.

Zuma, who is in power since 2009, is facing corruption allegations and was replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC leader in December last year.

Jacob Zuma’s tenure as South Africa’s President has been marred with controversies and allegations of corruption.

Recently, Zuma’s popularity took a nosedive after reports of his links with wealthy India-origin Gupta family, who have allegedly influenced the government.

Earlier last year, the Supreme Court of Appeal directed him to face several charges including corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering in connection with a 1999 arms deal.