Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as Zimbabwe's president on Friday after succeeding Robert Mugabe, who resigned under pressure following 37 years in power.
The new president was officially sworn in amid thousands of supporters in Harare. He vowed to be loyal to the Republic and to defend the constitution, and promised that "all foreign investment will be safe in Zimbabwe."
"I am required to serve our country as the president of all citizens regardless of color, creed, religion, tribe, totem or political affiliation," BBC quoted Manggagawa as saying.
Manggagawa had assured Mugabe that he and his family would be safe in the country. This came after the two spoke for the first time since Mnangagwa returned to the country this week.
The State-owned The Herald newspaper said Mugabe and Mnangagwa had agreed that the former leader may not attend the swearing-in ceremony because he was tired.
Mnangagwa became president 3 days after the historic resignation of Mugabe, the world’s oldest serving head of state. Mugabe had come under immense pressure from the military, the ruling party and the people.
The new president said he felt "deeply humbled" to take the role, and added that he was "not oblivious to the many Zimbabweans from across the political and racial divide who have helped make this day."
Zimbabwe's new president is reaching out to the world after years of sanctions and international condemnation over rights abuses, saying that "We ask those who have punished us in the past to reconsider," according to AP.
