Emmerson Mnangagwa, centre, and his wife Auxillia,
Emmerson Mnangagwa, centre, and his wife Auxillia,

Zimbabwe's new President Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in

Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn in as Zimbabwe's president in a ceremony at a packed stadium in the country's capital, Harare.

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It follows the dramatic departure of Robert Mugabe after 37 years of authoritarian rule.

The former vice-president's dismissal earlier this month led the ruling Zanu-PF party and the army to intervene and force Mr Mugabe to quit.

Mr Mnangagwa, who had fled the country, returned from exile on Wednesday.

The opposition is urging Mr Mnangagwa, who has been part of the ruling elite, to end the "culture of corruption".

Although Mr Mnangagwa has unseated Zimbabwe's long-time ruler, he is still associated by many with some of the worst atrocities committed under the ruling Zanu-PF party since the country gained independence in 1980.

He was the country's spymaster during the 1980s civil conflict, in which thousands of civilians were killed. But he has denied any role in the massacres, blaming the army.

How has the inauguration unfolded?

The ceremony is at the National Sports Stadium and organisers have called on Zimbabweans to come and witness a "historic day".

Mr Mnangagwa is accompanied by his wife Auxilia.

Dignitaries, including leaders from various African countries, are also attending.

Mr Mnangagwa was led in the oath of office by Chief Justice Luke Malaba, saying he would "be faithful to Zimbabwe", "protect and promote the rights and people of Zimbabwe" and discharge his duties to the best of his abilities.

This will be followed by a flypast and a gun salute and then the new president will deliver an address.

Was Mr Mugabe there?

No - and the official reason given was that at 93, the former president needed to rest.

But the fact he is not attending is a stark reminder that this is no ordinary transition, the BBC's Andrew Harding reports, and that despite his official resignation he was forced out by the military.

On Thursday, several reports suggested Mr Mugabe had been granted immunity from prosecution.

Local media are reporting that Mr Mnangagwa has offered the Mugabe family "maximum security and welfare".

The former president "expressed his good wishes and support for the incoming president," the Herald newspaper reports.

 

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