Zimbabwe - as it happened: Emmerson Mnangagwa inaugurated as President while Mugabe barred from attending

Emmerson Mnangagwa is sworn in as new President of Zimbabwe

Emmerson Mnangagwa has been inaugurated as Zimbabwe's new President.

Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans gathered at Harare's National Sports Stadium for the swearing-in event, following the ouster of Robert Mugabe.

Former defence chief Mr Mnangagwa is just the second president in independent Zimbabwe's 37-year existence.

Mr Mugabe had sacked the incoming leader as vice president, leading the country's army to move against him.

Mr Mnangagwa was a key Mugabe confidant for decades until they fell out because of the presidential ambitions of Mr Mugabe's wife, Grace. Despite his long association with the government, Mr Mnangagwa has promised democracy.

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Key Points

• 'Emotional' Mugabe blocked from attending inauguration of man replacing him
• Robert Mugabe to receive diplomatic immunity as part of Zimbabwe President's resignation deal
• Now that Mugabe is gone, this is how Zimbabwe can rebuild itself

[24 November 2017 09:05 · Jon Sharman]

Robert Mugabe to receive diplomatic immunity as part of Zimbabwe President's resignation deal

The 93-year-old, who has also been assured safety in his home country, told negotiators he wanted to die in Zimbabwe and had no plans to live in exile, writes The Independent's Samuel Osborne.

[24 November 2017 09:10 · Jon Sharman]

Some people ahead of the inauguration began to dance in the stadium stands. Banners reading "Dawn of a new era" and "No to retribution," were erected even as human rights activists began to report worrying details of attacks on close allies of the former first lady and their families.

Mr Mnangagwa has warned against "vengeful retribution." 

Tendai Lesayo held a small Zimbabwean flag as she sold drinks from a cooler outside the stadium. She said she would welcome a fresh start, saying "life now is impossible." 

Elsewhere in the capital, long lines formed outside banks, a common sight in a nation struggling with cash shortages and other severe economic problems that the new president will have to confront. 

"Right now, nothing has really changed for me. I still cannot get my money from the bank," said Amon Mutora, who had been in line since 6 am. 

"Attending the inauguration will not bring food for my family," said Kelvin Fungai, a 19-year-old selling bananas from a cart. Many young people are well-educated but jobless, reduced to street vending to survive. Others have left the country.

AP

[24 November 2017 09:15 · Jon Sharman]

How Robert Mugabe's resignation unfolded: A moment of silence, then pandemonium

His departure, after a stand-off lasting days following a military coup, brought an end to the reign of a man who was Africa’s longest-serving head of state, and one of the best known and controversial figures in international politics, writes The Independent's Kim Sengupta.

[24 November 2017 09:20 · Jon Sharman]

Zimbabwe is experiencing  "an almost unprecedented national convergence," according to Dr Knox Chitiyo of Chatham House's Africa programme.

"Traditional political, economic and social fault lines" are being "bridged as Zimbabweans make common cause for change," he wrote ahead of the inauguration.

He added: "Mr Mnangagwa has a full in-tray. He needs to form a government quickly and has to balance the need for inclusivity and consultation, with the undoubted pressure to reward his followers.

"Although many are nervous about his history as Mr Mugabe’s ally and his reputation for toughness, Mr Mnangagwa is also an astute political survivor, and has been pro-business and supportive of Zimbabwe’s ongoing re-engagement with the global community.

"With formal unemployment at 80 per cent and with a largely informalised economy in which much of Zimbabwe’s citizenry have been reduced to penury and classic short-termism, there is plenty for Zimbabwe’s next president to think about."

[24 November 2017 09:25 · Jon Sharman]

The leaders of Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia are attending the swearing-in.

Jacob Zuma, the president of regional powerhouse South Africa, is not there because he is hosting Angola's new leader for talks.

[24 November 2017 09:30 · Jon Sharman]

Emmerson Mnangagwa, centre, and his wife Auxillia, centre-right, arrive earlier at the presidential inauguration ceremony (AP)

[24 November 2017 09:39 · Jon Sharman]

Mr Mnangagwa's oath will be followed by a fly-past of military planes, a 21-gun salute and band fanfare, according to the Herald's running order.

[24 November 2017 09:47 · Jon Sharman]

Mr Mnangagwa has now been sworn in.

[24 November 2017 09:48 · Jon Sharman]

He promised to devote himself to the well-being of the people, to cheers from tens of thousands present.

[24 November 2017 09:52 · Jon Sharman]

Successive military chiefs file past Mr Mnangagwa, who is standing on a podium in the middle of the stadium, to salute and shake his hand.