The executive committee of the African National Congress has told President Zuma of South Africa that he must leave office.
The unanimous decision that it is time for Mr Zuma — who was replaced as party leader last month by Cyril Ramaphosa — to stand down was reached by the party’s executive at a private meeting during a conference outside Pretoria.
Mr Zuma has the right to remain in charge until the end of his second term next year, yet many observers say that he could be forced out within days.
Mr Ramaphosa, his deputy, said last week that Mr Zuma’s departure from a troubled nine-year tenure must be addressed, but pledged to handle the matter with “decorum”.
The president could be further pressured into leaving office if his party voted to recall him. Corruption charges that he is fighting in court may also be used as leverage against him.