Mnangagwa returns to Zimbabwe with vow of ‘a new democracy’

Zimbabwe’s incoming leader Emmerson Mnangagwa made a triumphant return yesterday, telling cheering supporters that the country is witnessing “a new and unfolding democracy”.

He said: “I appeal to all genuine people of Zimbabwe to come together. We are all Zimbabweans...we need peace in our country and jobs, jobs, jobs.”

His message was received enthusiastically by supporters at the headquarters of the ruling ZANUPF party, after Zimbabwe’s continuing economic crisis helped bring the downfall of Robert Mugabe, who resigned on Tuesday.

Mr Mnangagwa said he had been in constant contact with military leaders during the tumultuous two weeks between his sacking by Mr Mugabe and his return to the country as the new leader. He praised the military and commander General Constantino Chiwenga, “who have been able to manage this process very peacefully”.

With his wife Auxilia by his side, Mr Mnangagwa, wary of any possible security threat, was also surrounded by two rings of security agents.

After emerging from hiding in South Africa, Mr Mnangagwa met South African president Jacob Zuma then flew to Zimbabwe in a private jet. He will be sworn in tomorrow as Zimbabwe’s new president to serve Mr Mugabe’s remaining term until elections next year.

The 75-year-old Mr Mnangagwa fled Zimbabwe after Mr Mugabe sacked him earlier this month, leading the military to move in and kick off a series of events ending in Mr Mugabe stepping down amid impeachment proceedings.

The jubilant crowd of more than a thousand at the party offices in central Harare celebrated his first public remarks. Some carried signs with images of him, suggesting an organisation behind the turnout. Signs read “Our hero, our hope” and “Welcome back, our hero”.

One man hoping to see Mr Mnangagwa, Godwin Nyarugwa, said he was “very ecstatic” and that “we need change in this country, change in everything” after years of economic crisis.

Mr Nyarugwa said he had several university degrees but no job, a common theme among Zimbabwe’s welleducated population.

“We have to try him and see,” he said of Mr Mnangagwa.

Zimbabweans were still reeling from Mr Mugabe’s resignation. They cheered and danced in the streets of Harare late into the night, thrilled to be rid of a leader whose early promise was overtaken by economic collapse, allegations of corruption, government dysfunction and human rights violations.