Former Zimbabwe vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa has today been sworn in as president.

Mnangagwa, who has now become Zimbabwe’s second president after since the country attained independence in 1980, has vowed to serve all citizens and has also promised free and democratic elections next year, which he says will go on as scheduled.

“The task at hand is that of rebuilding our country. I am required to serve our country as the president of all citizens regardless of colour, creed, religion, tribe, totem or political affiliation,” Mnangagwa said.

“I humbly appeal to all of us that we let bygones be bygones,” he said at the ceremony in the 60,000-seat national stadium, which was packed to capacity.

Tackle Corruption

Mnangagwa, who takes over from Robert Mugabe following his resignation on Tuesday, has also vowed to tackle corruption, reimburse the farmers whose land was seized under his predecessor and Mugabe protect foreign investment in Zimbabwe.

Improve Economy and Create Jobs

He has also vowed to work to improve the economy, reduce unemployment and return the country to prosperity

“Our economic policy will be directed for job, job, job creation,”

Mugabe Skips Mnangagwa Swearing-In Ceremony

Conspicuously missing in Mnangagwa’s swearing-in ceremony was the Mugabe and South Africa’s, Jacob Zuma.

Zuma could not attend the event allegedly because he was hosting Angola’s new head of state.

Mnangagwa had gone into a brief exile after losing a power struggle less than three weeks ago and only returned on Wednesday after Mugabe’s exit.