Emmerson Mnangagwa, who fled into a brief exile after losing a power struggle less than three weeks ago, became Zimbabwe’s new president Friday — succeeding Robert Mugabe, the leader he had backed for decades before helping oust him last week.

“We should never remain hostages of our past,” Mnangagwa said in his inaugural address. Referring specifically to Mugabe, he said: “To me personally, he remains a father, mentor, comrade in arms, and my leader.”

In a rapid reversal of fortunes that abruptly ended one of the longest reigns in Africa’s postcolonial history, Mnangagwa was sworn in at a ceremony at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, the capital, attended by about 60,000 people.

Source:AFP