Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwe's president

Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken the oath as Zimbabwe's president, after winning last month's keenly contested election that marked the country's first election since former leader, Robert Mugabe was removed from power. 

Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as Zimbabwe president on Sunday in front of a crowded stadium after a divisive election in which he narrowly secured the 50% of the vote he needed to avoid a runoff against closest rival, Nelson Chamisa in the July 30 ballot.

 

The Constitutional Court had on Friday confirmed Mnangagwa's election victory in a ruling dismissing a challenge by the main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

Emmerson Mnangagwa took the oath before the country’s chief justice, Luke Malaba, who together with eight other constitutional court judges had dismissed Chamisa’s petition.

Mnangagwa pledged to "protect and promote the rights of Zimbabweans" in his oath.

I, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, swear that as president of the Republic of Zimbabwe I will be faithful to Zimbabwe [and] will obey uphold and defend the constitution of Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa said.

The election was seen as a significant step toward shedding the reputation Zimbabwe gained under Mnangagwa’s predecessor Robert Mugabe, and securing international donor funding to revive the country’s crippled economy.

Mnangagwa also announced an inquiry into the deaths of six people in clashes between the army and opposition supporters after the July vote.

The violence was "unacceptable", he said.

The opposition MDC Alliance continues to reject the result despite a court ruling on Friday upholding it.