Reuters: Zuma quits, ending scandal-plagued term as South African president
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Jacob Zuma resigned as President of South Africa on Wednesday, reluctantly heeding orders by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to bring an end to his nine scandal-plagued years in power.
In a 30-minute farewell address to the nation, 75-year-old Zuma said he disagreed with the way the ANC had shoved him toward an early exit after the election of Cyril Ramaphosa as party president in December, but would accept its orders.
“I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect,” Zuma said.
“Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organization, I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC,” he said.
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MIDDLE EAST
$30 billion pledged in Kuwait at summit to rebuild Iraq.
New fronts emerge in Syria as Assad, allies push for victory.
France threatens Syria strikes if chemical attacks proven.
Erdogan slams US 'support for Kurdish YPG fighters'.
Clashes mark anniversary of Bahrain's 2011 uprising.
Iran arrests currency traders as rial collapses.
Iranian intellectuals call for referendum amid political unrest.
Israel police recommend corruption charges for Netanyahu.
Benjamin Netanyahu dismisses calls to resign.
Israeli leader vows to carry on despite corruption charges.
Trump wants to cut funds for UN missions in Middle East.
Tillerson says Hezbollah 'part of political process' in Lebanon.
Tillerson demands Iran-backed militias out of Syria.
ASIA
Taliban letter addresses ‘American people,’ urges talks.
Admiral says North Korea aiming to reunify Korean Peninsula.
Philippines complains to China about naming of undersea features.
India's Sitharaman warns Pakistan after Jammu attack.
Coastguard on the front line as Japan protests over Chinese incursions in East China Sea.
Chinese paper says UK trying to grab attention with South China Sea mission.
Sri Lanka coalition seeks ways to keep power after local poll defeat.
Winter Olympics 2018: South Korea to pay for North's delegation.
Japan economy grows for 8th straight quarter, longest since 1980s.
Cyclone Gita batters southern Fiji, upgraded to category five, heading for Vanuatu, New Caledonia.
AFRICA
Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai dies at 65. Morgan Tsvangirai, the enduring face of Zimbabwe's opposition dies.
French forces kill at least 10 jihadists in Mali: military sources.
18 new sexual abuse claims against UN peacekeepers in DRC.
In South Africa, a defiant Zuma says he has been victimized.
South Africa: ANC prepares Zuma no-confidence vote. South Africa’s ruling party could replace Zuma on Thursday.
South African police raid properties of President Jacob Zuma's associates Gupta brothers.
UN experts say political settlement in Libya 'out of reach'.
South Sudan bulldozes houses in Bor; Residents flee fighting in Yei river.
Oxfam faces new sex abuse allegations in South Sudan.
Ethiopia frees opposition leader amid protests.
No December election without voting machines: DRCongo poll chief.
EUROPE
Chess federation says UBS to close accounts over Syria sanctions.
Dutch foreign minister quits after lying about Putin meeting.
German SPD leader quits in bid to calm party after coalition deal with Merkel.
U.S., NATO urge Hungary, Ukraine To settle language-law dispute.
UK border and immigration system unprepared for Brexit: report.
With no time for Brexit, Macron sets out plans to redraw EU political map.
Commonwealth in secret succession plans.
New Dutch law makes every adult an organ donor.
Prince Henrik, husband of Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, dies at 83.
AMERICAS
Several dead at Florida high school after ex-student opens fire. US official: Florida high school shooter identified.
US inflation pressures raising expectations for rate hikes.
Mitt Romney to launch Senate campaign Thursday.
NSA: Several hospitalized after vehicle tried to enter.
Spy chief warns on Trump aides' clearance.
U.S. 2018 elections 'under attack' by Russia: U.S. intelligence chief.
FBI's Wray contradicts White House on Porter background check.
Colombian military calls Venezuela's invasion fears 'ridiculous'.
Colombia says needs international aid to cope with Venezuela crisis.
Lima Group countries criticize Venezuela election date.
Oxfam chief Alberto Fuentes Knight and Guatemalan ex-president held in corruption case.
Canada wants answers after Iran prison death.
Mexico presidential hopeful says he is target of government spying.
Jailed ex-Panama president released from US jail on $1 mn bond.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Bomber gets life in prison for New York, New Jersey attacks.
Pentagon wants to replace Guantánamo's Top Secret prison. Price per prisoner: $4.6M.
Fired Pentagon official was exploring plea deals for 9/11 suspects at Guantánamo.
U.S. allies fail to agree on how to deal with foreign IS fighters.
Tunisia rejects NATO’s proposal to support establishment of anti-terrorism centre.
Military judge wants US Marshals to seize lawyers who quit USS Cole terrorism case: Report.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
What inflation? Apple and Facebook drive Wall Street rally.
Saudi Arabia seeks to further reduce oil stockpiles.
Market on its toes for an inflation report that could change everything.
Trump weighs tariffs, quotas on U.S. steel, aluminum imports.
Total US household debt soars to record above $13 trillion.
