Zuma’s exit looms as VP confirms talks over transition of power

The impending exit of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa seems to be looming large after Vice President and the new African National Congress (ANC) leader Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Wednesday that he is in talks with the embattled leader over a transition of power.

Ramphosa revealed in a statement that he and Zuma had began talks on Tuesday night and hoped to conclude their discussions and report back to country “in coming days”.

Ramaphosa said the process was an opportunity to conclude the matter without causing discord in the country.

“We will be able to communicate further on President Zuma’s position as President of the Republic once we have finalised all pertinent matters,” Ramaphosa said.

Read also: South Africa’s deputy president mounts pressure on prosecutors to hasten Zuma’s probe

“This is a challenging time for our country. Both President Zuma and myself are aware that our people want and deserve closure. The constructive process we have embarked on offers the greatest opportunity to conclude this matter without discord or division.”

75-year-old Zuma who has been South Africa’s most controversial president has been in a weakened position since Ramaphosa replaced him as ANC leader in December.

Ramaphosa, 65, has been lobbying the ANC’s national executive to force Zuma to resign even as the president is expected to face another no-confidence vote this month as splits within his own party threatens to undo him.

 

 

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