Mnangagwa becomes Zimbabwe President, promises jobs and peace
Zimbabwe's new President Emmerson Mnangagwa has entered office after former president Robert Mugabe's formally resigned. Speaking in Harare afterward, Mnangagwa hailed the new unfolding of democracy in the country. "We want to grow our economy, we want peace, we want jobs, jobs, jobs," he stated to a cheering crowd. What does the beginning of Mnangagwa's rule mean for Zimbabwe? Read on.
President Mugabe finally resigns, Zimbabwe erupts in celebration
On November 21, 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years, finally stepped down. Mugabe's resignation letter was read out in the Parliament by the speaker. Zimbabweans welcomed the news with loud cheers and jubilant celebrations. The US called it a "historic moment" while British PM Theresa May hailed the development.
What led to Mugabe's resignation?
On November 15, Mugabe was placed under house-arrest during a military takeover. The crisis began after he sacked Mnangagwa two weeks ago, apparently for his wife, Grace, to succeed him as president. Since the military takeover, Mugabe's grip on power weakened considerably, although he resisted attempts to bring about his resignation On November 18, thousands of people protested in Harare, calling for Mugabe's resignation.
Who is Emmerson Mnangagwa?
Mnangagwa was a former ally of Robert Mugabe and a senior member of the ruling ZANU-PF party. He was associated with the Zimbabwean struggle for independence from Britain during the 1970s. He is nicknamed the "Crocodile" for his political shrewdness and shares a close relationship with the army and intelligence agencies. Mnangagwa is also alleged to have overseen several human rights abuses.
Should Zimbabwe be wary of Mnangagwa?
Zimbabweans are certainly happy about how the Mugabe era of corruption and human rights abuses has ended. But could the nation be walking into the same state of affairs under Mnangagwa? Critics point that Mnangagwa might have even overseen the mass murder of civilians during the post-independence conflict in the 1980s. His current friendship with the army is also worrisome.
