Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn in as Zimbabwe’s new President, following the resignation of Robert Mugabe after a 37-year rule.
Mnangagwa, who was removed as vice president by Mugabe, will serve as interim president until the country’s next presidential election in 2018. He is expected to contest the election as well.
“I, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, swear that as president of the republic of Zimbabwe I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and obey, uphold and defend the constitution and all other laws of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Tens of thousands of people filled the cavernous National Sports Stadium in the capital, Harare, with African leaders and other dignitaries among them to watch the historic moment.
Mnangagwa served as Mugabe’s right-hand man for decades, until he was fired recently to allegedly pave the way for Mugabe’s wife Grace to be the country’s next President.
