Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Sunday sworn in as the country’s President in a historic ceremony held in Harare.
Mnangagwa will now begin his full five-year term after occupying the position following the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe last year.
"I Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa swear that as President of Zimbabwe I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and will obey, uphold and defend the Constitution and all other laws of Zimbabwe," Mnangagwa declared in front of thousands of people who had gathered at the National Sports Stadium to witness the inauguration.
He assumed power after the Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed an application by opposition leader Nelson Chamisa seeking to overturn his victory in the July 30 polls.
Among the high ranking dignitaries in attendance was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi and the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Thomas Thabane.
In a letter addressed to the newly sworn President, Mugabe sent an apology for his absence.
“My wife is not well and in Singapore, I am also not well, and therefore I am sending my daughter Bona Mugabe and her husband to attend on my behalf. My hearty congratulations,” stated the letter, read out by President Mnangagwa before commencing with his inauguration speech.
The newly sworn in President committed to uplift the country’s ailing economy and to create jobs.
“The creation of jobs and more jobs will be at the core of our policies,” he said.
To put closure and finality to post election violence that left six people dead, Mnangagwa said he will soon announce a commission of inquiry that will look into the matter.
“The isolated and unfortunate incident of violence that reared its ugly head was regrettable and most unacceptable. To put closure and finality to the matter, I will soon be announcing members of the commission of inquiry into the same violence, who will upon completion publish their findings.
“Once again, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families that lost their loved ones,” he said.
The leader of the ruling Zanu-PF party said he would, as President, work for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.
“The vision of a new and prosperous Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe we want transcends party lines. As your President I pledge to act without fear or favour as President of all Zimbabweans.
“I am your listening president, a servant leader in this vein, those who occupy public office, at any level, under my administration, will be required to exercise servant leadership in the execution of their duties,” said President Mnangagwa. – SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua
