ICYMI: Peru’s interim president resigns — hours after death of two protesters

Manuel Merino, Peru’s interim president, on Sunday, resigned from office following massive protests that trailed his inauguration which held less than one week ago.

Merino was inaugurated on Tuesday, after Martin Vizcarra, his predecessor, was removed by congress over accusations of collecting bribes when he was regional governor.

The removal of Vizcarra was immediately followed by nationwide protests as supporters of the ousted president accused the congress of legislative coup.

On Saturday night, two protesters were confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries following a clash with security agencies in Lima’s central plaza in San Martin, Aljazeera reported.

Although Merino had earlier vowed to remain in power, he changed his stance on Sunday, and announced his resignation in a televised address.

“I want to make it known to the whole country that I irrevocably present my resignation for the office of the presidency and I call for peace and unity for all Peruvians,” CNN quoted him as saying.

“My commitment is with Peru and I will do everything in my power to guarantee a constitutional succession and for Congress to determine in order for Peru to move forward.”