Egypt’s Vice President Omar Suleiman announced today that Hosni Mubarak has stepped down as president of Egypt in the midst of protest and civil unrest that hit a fever pitch yesterday after his initial refusal to leave office.
CNN reports that the controversial leader left Cairo and fled to Sharm el-Sheikh, a resort town in Sinai, leaving the Egyptian military in charge.
In his address to the nation yesterday, he pledged to restore the country that has been ravaged by violence and demonstrations for the last few weeks. Protestors turned hostile during his speech when he gave no indication of leaving his office. (See the story)
Reports say, upon hearing the announcement of Mubarak’s resignation, Egyptians rejoiced in the streets, chanting, “Egypt is free!”
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