I am your servant, pledges new leader

ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe’s new leader has promised an era of ‘‘unfolding democracy’’ after receiving a rapturous welcome on his return to the country.

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s motorcade was cheered as it made its way through the capital, Harare, yesterday to the ruling Zanu-PF party headquarters, where he was greeted by a massive crowd banging drums, waving placards, and holding aloft a stuffed crocodile in a nod to his nickname.

Mnangagwa will be sworn in as president today, succeeding Robert Mugabe, who was forced to step down on Wednesday, a week after a coup.

Mnangagwa told supporters from a hastily erected dais on the steps of the party headquarters that he would lead Zimbabwe for all Zimbabweans. He struck a humble tone, thanking the crowd for waiting for him in blazing sunshine for most of the day.

‘‘I place myself to be your servant,’’ he said. ‘‘Today, we are witnessing the beginning of a new, unfolding democracy. I appeal to all genuine patriotic Zimbabweans to come together, work together.‘‘

He said the manner in which the country had handled its political unrest and military takeover had set an example to the region and the world.

‘‘We want to restore the economy, we want peace in our country, we want jobs,’’ he said, to roars of approval. ‘‘Never should the nation be held at ransom by one person ever again, whose desire is to die in office at whatever cost to the nation.’’

Speaking in the local Shona language, he indicated that he would be fierce in dealing with his enemies, detailing how he had recently been poisoned by his political opponents and had received further threats to his life. He said he would ‘‘hit the snake on the head’’, and dismissed his detractors as ‘‘barking dogs’’.

Mnangagwa served as vicepresident in Mugabe’s government but was fired 10 days ago and fled to South Africa after a succession battle between him and Mugabe’s wife, Grace, exploded into the public domain. He vowed to return to oust Mugabe and form a transitional government, with opposition leaders brought into the fold. –

PHOTO: REUTERS Emmerson Mnangagwa addresses his supporters in Harare after returning to Zimbabwe to replace Robert Mugabe as president.