Emmerson Mnangagwa, the president of Zimbabwe, was sworn in for a second term on Monday after being proclaimed the victor of a contentious election last month and making a vow to help millions of people out of poverty.
On August 23, Zimbabweans went to the polls to pick a new president, lawmakers, and members of local councils, but the main opposition party called the results a “gigantic fraud.”
Mnangagwa begged for unity in the wake of the elections in his speech following his inauguration and made a commitment to restore the faltering economy.
“Responsive policies which begun in the first term of my presidency are on course to lift many out of poverty,” Mnangagwa said.
The majority of Mnangagwa’s fans arrived by bus from all around the nation, and they sang and danced as the 80-year-old entered the National Sports Stadium with his wife.
Before Chief Justice Luke Malaba, who in 2018 ruled Mnangagwa the victor after a constitutional court case, he took the oath of office.
“I stand as a president of all. I offer you individually and collectively, unity,” Mnangagwa said.
African politicians that attended the swearing-in ceremony were South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mozambican President Phillipe Nyusi, and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema opted not to.
The commencement of Mnangagwa’s second term coincides with persistent economic hardships, with the Zimdollar down 80% from the year’s beginning and international assistance still on hold.
