Zimbabwe’s new leader wants world to help it rebuild
A FORMER confidant of ousted leader Robert Mugabe has promised “a new, unfolding democracy” and reached out to the world, saying help is needed to rebuild Zimbabwe’s shattered economy.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, who fled Zimbabwe after he was sacked as vice-president on November 6, made a triumphant return to the country a day after 93-year-old Mr Mugabe resigned.
Mr Mugabe’s departure after 37 years in power followed an intense week with the military staging a government takeover, the commencement of impeachment proceedings and citizens taking to the streets in protest.
Mr Mnangagwa addressed a cheering crowd in the capital Harare. He is scheduled to be sworn in as president today.
“Today we are witnessing the beginning of a new, unfolding democracy,” the 75-yearold told thousands of people outside the ruling ZANU-PF party headquarters.
“We need the co-operation of the continent of Africa.
“We need the co-operation of our friends outside the continent.” Mr Mnangagwa served for decades as Mr Mugabe’s enforcer.
Many opposition supporters believe he was instrumental in the army killings of thousands of people when Mr Mugabe moved against a political rival in the 1980s.