Zimbabwe Politics: Political transition brings a new era for country

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In November, the world witnessed a dramatic transition of power in Zimbabwe. Three weeks after 75-year-old Emmerson Mnangagwa was sacked as vice president, he managed to make a political comeback and take over the country's presidency. It brought the final curtain down on the 37-year-long rule of Robert Mugabe.

"A new Zimbabwe, Mugabe is out. I'm very happy."

Thousands of Zimbabweans dance, sing and party on the streets of Harare in celebration of the end of former president Robert Mugabe's 37-year-long rule. The president's downfall started in early November, when he unexpectedly fired his then Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

SIMON KHAYA MOYO ZIMBABWE'S INFORMATION MINISTER "Comrade Mugabe has exercised his powers to relive one of our Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa off his position as Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe with immediate effect."

The dismissal of Mnangagwa, who won the support of the army, triggered a military takeover of the government.

S. B. MOYO, MAJOR GENERAL SPOKESPERSON FOR ZIMBABWE DEFENSE FORCES "Comrade Mugabe and his family are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed. We wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover of government."

PROMISE MKWANANZI SPOKESPERSON FOR PRESSURE GROUP TAJAMUKA "Although they've tried to act as if they are not, but the reality is that they've taken control of the government."

CONSTANTINO CHIWENGA FORMER ARMY CHIEF, CURRENT VP OF RULING PARTY "When it comes to protect our revolution, the military will not hesitate to step in."

Soon after Mugabe's party removed him as their leader and demanded he step down. Members of parliament then initiated impeachment proceedings. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in protest against Mugabe. Mounting pressure, the loss of his party support and the prospect of impeachment eventually proved too much to bear.

JACOB MUDENDA SPEAKER OF ZIMBABWE'S PARLIAMENT "I, Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96, sub section 1 of the constitution of Zimbabwe, hereby formally tender my resignation as the president of the republic of Zimbabwe, with immediate effect."

Following Mugabe's resignation, Mnangagwa was sworn in as Zimbabwe's second president.

EMMERSON MNANGAGWA ZIMBABWEAN PRESIDENT "I solemnly promise that I shall, to the best of my ability, serve everyone who calls and considers Zimbabwe their home."

Mnangagwa acknowledged the task to rebuild a country battered by years of economic decline and political instability.

MORGAN TSVANGIRAI ZIMBABWEAN OPPOSITION LEADER "He carries a lot of baggage from the past. And the question he has to ask himself, 'to what extent am I going to carry this baggage in the new era."

"We are looking forward to a better Zimbabwe, with jobs, with no youth on the streets, no queues on the banks, and better and brighter future for all Zimbabweans. Happy Zimbabwe!"

The three-week political drama in Zimbabwe has come to an end. Yet, uncertainties still lie ahead for Mnangagwa and the Southern African country. With the next presidential election less than one year away, the nation is watching to see how the new leader will demonstrate his abilities to lead the country.