Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwean president for next five years

HARARE - Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Sunday sworn in for his first five-year term as the President of Zimbabwe by Chief Justice Luke Malaba.

"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 obey all other laws of Zimbabwe," said Mnangagwa while taking the oath of office.

His inauguration at the National Sports Stadium came after the Constitutional Court last Friday dismissed an application by opposition leader Nelson Chamisa seeking to overturn his victory in the July 30 polls.

According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Mnangagwa polled 50.67 percent of the vote against nearest rival Chamisa's 44.3 percent.

Chamisa challenged the result alleging various electoral irregularities. However, the top court dismissed the petition, saying the youthful opposition leader had failed to provide evidence to back his rigging claims.

Chamisa boycotted Mnangagwa's inauguration that was attended by thousands of Zimbabweans and several heads of state and government from Africa including African Union chairperson and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

The inauguration ceremony, held in an elaborate manner, was marked by pomp and fan fare as well as some military displays.

In his inauguration speech, Mnangagwa stressed his government's unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, entrenchment of the rule of law, the principle of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary.

He said his government will accelerate re-engagement with the international community as well as implementation of polices that boost economic growth.

"Now that the elections are behind us, we must now focus on addressing economic challenges that we face as a nation. It is time for us all to unite as a nation and grow our economy," Mnangagwa said.

He said his government will for the next five years work on scaling up industrialization and modernization of the country's economy to ensure Zimbabwe achieves its vision of becoming a middle income country by 2030.

"The creation of jobs and more jobs will be at the core of our policies. The vision of the Zimbabwe we want is a shared one and transcends political party lines. As your president, I pledge to act fairly, impartially and without fear or favor," Mnangagwa said.

He reiterated that his government will have a zero tolerance to corruption and that his government will work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of all Zimbabweans.

Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe congratulated Mnangagwa on his inauguration as the President of Zimbabwe.

Mnangagwa succeeded Mugabe after he resigned in November last year following a military intervention which ended his 37 years in power.

Mugabe extended the congratulations in a letter read out by Mnangagwa. In the letter, Mugabe said he and his wife Grace were unable to attend the inauguration ceremony despite being invited because they were not feeling well.