US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says President Mugabe's resignation is an "historic moment" that has given Zimbabwe "an extraordinary opportunity to set itself on a new path".
At least fifty thousand Zimbabweans are believed to live in the United States. Many of them celebrated the departure of Mr Mugabe, and the new opportunities for their country.
Harry Horton reports from Washington DC.
IN: ("UPSOT) Zimbabwe here we come!!!!"
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DUR: 2"00
(UPSOT)
"Zimbabwe here we come!!!!"
Thousands of kilometres from Zimbabwe…
(UPSOT)
"We are so so so happy!"
and celebrating a new direction for the country they still call home.
For some Zimbabweans living in the United States like ANGELA MADOVI, following the story of Robert Mugabe's demise has taken its toll.
<<TAKE SOT: ANGELA MADOVI>>
"For the past two weeks we were not sleeping. No-one was sleeping. The reason being the time difference between here and back home. So the only way to keep in touch or to stay abreast of the news was to stay awake."
Most of this cheering crowd in this Washington restaurant have never known another Zimbabwean leader - and some have never even lived in Zimbabwe.
With Mugabe gone, Shingie Mangwiro is optimistic about the future, and sees a chance to start a new life back home.
<<TAKE SOT: Shingie Mangwiro>>
"We love it here in the US, we are blessed to be here. It's been a very good place for us, it's been kind to us. We have jobs we are able to support out families, but now we have options. We can go home."
The US government didn't celebrate as long or as loudly as these Zimbabweans, but it did express cautious optimism about the future. Here's US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert.
<<TAKE SOT: Heather Nauert, US State Department>>
"The people of Zimbabwe have firmly voiced their desire for a new era to bring an end to Zimbabwe's isolation and allow the country to rejoin the international community.
The future of Zimbabwe, though, has to be determined by the people of that country. We look forward to and hope for free and fair elections."
The Zimbabwean Embassy here in Washington hasn't commented about Mugabe's resignation yet - and I'm told the ambassador is outside of the US. But with new leadership in Zimbabwe, there is fresh optimism here about the direction of the country and the contribution it can make on the international stage.
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