By Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Vice President that was earlier this month fired by President Robert Mugabe, a move that later motivated a coup d’etat in the country, is now the sworn in President of Zimbabwe.
Mr. Mnangagwa was sworn in early on Friday 24, November, as the new Zimbabwean President after the resigning of President Robert Mugabe, who had led the country for 37 years, and so had vowed to rule until he died.
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s swearing in has put an end to the political drama that started when Mugabe fired his long time allay, until he was forced to resign.
Mnangagwa took the oath of office at the national sports stadium on the outskirts of Harare before thousands of supporters, dignitaries and foreign diplomats, with snipers who took positions to ensure security in the place. Mnangagwa’s supporters were seen jubilating and dancing to the music played at the ceremony, in celebration.
‘We are excited and expecting a lot from Mnangagwa. We have been under a dictatorship for a very long time,’ said a 23- year-old Sharon Mauyakufa, referring to Mugabe.
The supporters also thanked the army for the great work they did earlier, that they say liberated Zimbabwe from Robert Mugabe’s rule.
“We thank you our soldiers, our army,” said one banner in the sports ground. “The people have spoken,” said another.
Earlier before the swearing in ceremony, Mnangagwa had met with Mugabe, the former President and assured him of his security in the country. According to the sources, Mugabe was assured that his safety would be protected in his home country, as part of a deal that led to his resignation.
Government sources in Zimbabwe further reported that Mugabe told negotiators that he wanted to die in Zimbabwe, and had no plans of flying to live in exile.
‘It was very emotional for him and he was forceful about it. For him it was very important that he be guaranteed security to stay in the country, although that would not stop him from travelling abroad every time he would want to.’
It is also reported that the former President, Robert Mugabe, was granted immunity from prosecution.
‘Mugabe is very old … we do not expect that he will be punished for his crimes. How do you punish a 93-year-old? But his wife and others must be charged if they committed crimes,’ said one of Mnangagwa’s supporters at the swearing in ceremony.
Reporter: Shamilah Namuddu