Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn in as president of Zimbabwe, marking the end of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year reign over the country.
Tens of thousands of cheering supporters on Friday streamed into the capital’s National Sports Stadium to witness Mnangagwa, a former vice president, take the oath of office.
In his inaugural speech, Mnangagwa promised that elections would be held next year and vowed to work to advance the lives of all Zimbabweans.
“As we focus on recovering the economy, we must shed misbehaviours and acts of indiscipline which have characterised the past,” he said.
“Acts of corruption must stop.”
Mnangagwa’s rise to power comes after weeks of drama in the wake of his dismissal by Mugabe that precipitated in a military takeover on November 15.
Mugabe, who initially resisted calls to step down, eventually stepped down on Tuesday.
According to reports, the 93-year-old former president has been granted immunity from prosecution and a benefits package as part of a negotiation deal.
Source: Al Jazeera