Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwe president

Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn in as President of Zimbabwe in front of thousands of cheering supporters at Harare’s national stadium, on Friday, bringing the curtain down on the 37-year rule of Robert Mugabe.

After taking his oath of office, the 75-year-old former security chief vowed to uphold the constitution of the southern African nation and protect the rights of all Zimbabwe‘s 16 million citizens in an address to the public.

He said he felt "deeply humbled" to take the role adding that he was "not oblivious to the many Zimbabweans from across the political and racial divide who have helped make this day."

Mnangagwa promised reforms to lift Zimbabwe out of poverty by jump-starting the country's lifeless economy and stamping out rampant corruption. 

The task at hand is that of rebuilding our country, he said.

I am required to serve our country as the president of all citizens regardless of colour, creed, religion, tribe, totem or political affiliation.

Speaking on the Zimbabwe economy, Mnangagwa said he would base a new economic policy on agriculture and foreign direct investment and pledged to create jobs.

He also said the country's land reform programme would not be reversed, but pledged to compensate farmers for the land that was confiscated from them.

The seizure of land from white farmers is seen as a key factor in the country's economic meltdown.

Zimbabwe's president-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa raises his fist as he arrives at a stadium

He paid tribute to his predecessor Robert Mugabe - to muted applause - calling him "a father, mentor, comrade-in-arms and my leader".

Mnangagwa served as Mugabe's right-hand man for most of his career.

Mugabe who was the world’s oldest serving head of state resigned as president on Tuesday in a dramatic fashion after 37 years, as parliament began a move to impeach him, a week to the day after the army stepped in to seize power.

His departure followed a power struggle in which Mnangagwa was sacked as vice president to pave the way for Grace Mugabe, the then-first lady, to take up the presidency.

Mnangagwa fled the country but returned to a hero's welcome and on Friday struck a conciliatory tone.

Even though most Zimbabweans celebrated the exit of 93-year-old Mugabe, who presided over the descent into penury and despotism of one of Africa’s brightest prospects, some are worried about the future under Mnangagwa.


Mugabe did not attend the event and the official reason given was that at 93, the former president needed to rest.

Mnangagwa assured Mugabe he and his family would be safe in Zimbabwe when the two men spoke for the first time since Mnangagwa returned home this week, the state-owned The Herald newspaper reported on Friday.