New leader returns home to cheers

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

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

That was received enthusiastically by the crowd at the headquarters of the ruling ZANUPF party, as Zimbabwe’s economic crisis helped bring the downfall of Robert Mugabe, who resigned Tuesday after 37 years in power.

Mnangagwa said he had been in constant contact with military leaders during the tumultuous two weeks between his firing by Mugabe and his return to lead Zimbabwe. He will be sworn in Friday to serve Mugabe’s remaining term until elections next year.

Mnangagwa, 75, fled Zimbabwe after Mugabe fired him, leading the military to move in and kick off a series of extraordinary events ending in Mugabe stepping down amid impeachment proceedings.

The jubilant crowd in the capital, Harare, celebrated his first public remarks. Some carried signs with his image, suggesting a organization behind the festive turnout. Signs read “Our Hero, Our Hope” and “Welcome back, Our Hero.”

Zimbabweans were still reeling from Mugabe’s resignation. They cheered and danced in the streets of Harare late into Tuesday night, thrilled to be rid of a leader whose early promise after the end of white minority rule in 1980 was overtaken by economic collapse, government dysfunction and human rights violations.

Now the focus turns to Mnangagwa, Mugabe’s longtime deputy who was pushed aside as unpopular first lady Grace Mugabe positioned herself to replace him and succeed her husband.

Mnangagwa is a former justice and defense minister who served for decades as Mugabe’s enforcer, a role that earned him the nickname “Crocodile.” Many opposition supporters believe he was instrumental in the army killings of thousands of people when Mugabe moved against a political rival in the 1980s.

Ben Curtis / Associated Press Supporters of incoming president Emmerson Mnangagwa, known as “The Crocodile,” raise a stuffed crocodile as they await his arrival in Harare.