2017 News Map: Political transition in Zimbabwe

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In November, the world witnessed Zimbabwe's dramatic transition of power. 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.

Mugabe's downfall started in early November, when he unexpectedly fired his then Vice President Mnangagwa. It appeared to be a move to clear the way for his wife to take over the presidency.

Young women walk past an armored personnel carrier in Harate, Zimbabwe. /VCG Photo

The dismissal of Mnangagwa, who won the support of the army, triggered a military takeover of the government. Military leaders denied the move was a coup in a televised address, saying they were targeting criminals near the president.

Soon after, Mugabe's party removed him as their leader and demanded he step down. Defying the call for resignation, Mugabe vowed to preside over the next party congress in December.

Robert Mugabe's file photo. /VCG Photo

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's support and the prospect of impeachment eventually proved too much to bear.

On November 21, the 93-year-old politician resigned. Three days later, Mnangagwa was sworn in as Zimbabwe's second president.

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

"Our economic policy will be directed for job, job, job creation. We must work together. You, me, all of us who make up this nation. I must hit the ground running," he said at the inauguration ceremony.

Many Zimbabweans were optimistic about the new leader's presidency, hoping he could put the country back to the path of stability and prosperity.

Locals celebrate after the swearing-in of Zimbabwe's new president Emmerson Mnangagwa. /VCG Photo

Yet, some critics and local politicians expressed mixed feelings towards the newly inaugurated leader.

"He carries a lot of baggage from the past. And the question he has to ask himself is, 'to what extent am I going to carry this baggage in the new era,'" one Zimbabwean opposition leader said.

The three-week political drama in Zimbabwe came to an end. However, 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 ability to lead the country.

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