Mnangagwa Inauguration: Zimbabwe's president sworn in, promises a new dawn

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02:45

In Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn in as president. Mnangagwa promises he will be a leader for ALL Zimbabweans. The country has seen weeks of political drama that's highlighted deep divisions in the country. CGTN's Farai Mwakutuya has more from the capital, Harare.

Regional leaders including South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, current chair of the African Union and President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, Edgar Lungu of Zambia, Botswana's Mokgweetsi Masisi and Joseph Kabila of the DRC, attended the inauguration at a packed National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in by the Chief Justice, who along with eight other constitutional court judges, dismissed an application by the opposition challenging last month's election results. He called his inauguration the beginning of a second republic where honesty will be a hallmark.

EMMERSON MNANGAGWA PRESIDENT OF ZIMBABWE "In the second republic no person or entity will be allowed to steal, loot or pocket that which belongs to the people of Zimbabwe. No one is above the law. This is the new Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe we all want."

He echoed earlier pledges to be a servant of the people made when he replaced Robert Mugabe last November.

FARAI MWAKUTUYAHARARE, ZIMBABWE "President Mnangagwa says over the last 9 months he has set Zimbabwe on new path one where there is political tolerance, democratic freedoms and dialogue, all of which have laid the foundations for a brighter future. Many here hope today marks the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise."

"We have faith in him because he has been with us the people for a long time. He has just promised us to be a servant leader and that he will lift us from the ashes. As he said we will rise and shine."

Like their leader Mnangagwa's supporters have reached out to the opposition.

"ZANU PFs' doors are open. They are free to come and join us now especially because we expect a lot of progress under out leader starting immediately."

In the next few days, Mnangagwa is expected to name his new government. Ahead of the elections he promised to drop non-performing ministers and inject new blood in his new administration. FM, CGTN, H, Z.