South African president Mbeki agrees to step down [September 20 2008]

South African President Thabo Mbeki agreed to resign after the ruling party ordered him Saturday to step down, a move that could heighten turmoil in Africa's economic powerhouse. Mbeki's rival and heir apparent Jacob Zuma was not expected to take over immediately.

Another figure in the ruling African National Congress could be named interim president by parliament.

"Following the decision of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress to recall President Thabo Mbeki, the President has obliged and will step down after all constitutional requirements have been met," the presidency said in a terse statement.