On Sunday, August 26th, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in after a highly contested election process. The historic event marks the end of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule.
The inauguration ceremony was held in front of thousands of people at the country’s National Sports Stadium in Harare. Several international dignitaries such as President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali and the President of Zambia witnessed the event.
The Zimbabwean election was fair, but highly contested with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa contesting the results and claiming that he was robbed of the election. Mnangagwa will now be charged with unifying the nation after the divisive poll and forging ahead with introducing badly needed reforms.
Mnangagwa began his inaugural address by thanking his supporters. He then launched into his plan for the future of Zimbabwe, emphasizing the need for economic reforms, a stronger rule of law, improved infrastructure and better health and education services. He also promised to guarantee the safety and security of everyone in the country regardless of their political beliefs.
The President also placed an emphasis on the need for foreign investment, stating that it would help to improve the quality of life for all Zimbabweans. He acknowledged the need to address international human rights issues such as corruption, human trafficking and gender violence.
The inauguration of President Mnangagwa symbolizes a new dawn for the country and a new beginning for its people. The process of rebuilding the country will not be easy, but with the new leader in place, many Zimbabweans are hopeful that a prosperous future lies ahead.