Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn in as Zimbabwe\u2019s president in a ceremony at a packed stadium in the country\u2019s capital, Harare.<\/p>\n
It follows the dramatic departure of Robert Mugabe after 37 years of authoritarian rule.<\/p>\n
The former vice-president\u2019s dismissal earlier this month led the ruling Zanu-PF party and the army to intervene and force Mr Mugabe to quit.<\/p>\n
Mr Mnangagwa, who had fled the country, returned from exile on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The opposition is urging Mr Mnangagwa, who has been part of the ruling elite, to end the \u201cculture of corruption\u201d.<\/p>\n
Although Mr Mnangagwa has unseated Zimbabwe\u2019s long-time ruler, he is still associated by many with some of the worst atrocities committed under the ruling Zanu-PF party since the country gained independence in 1980.<\/p>\n
He was the country\u2019s spymaster during the 1980s civil conflict, in which thousands of civilians were killed. But he has denied any role in the massacres, blaming the army.<\/p>\n
After being sacked as part of a power struggle over who would succeed Mr Mugabe as president, Mr Mnangagwa fled to South Africa two weeks ago \u2013 only to return home on Wednesday to a hero\u2019s welcome.<\/p>\n
How has the inauguration unfolded?<\/h2>\n
Tens of thousands of people packed the National Sports Stadium at Harare to witness the inauguration. Pop singer Jah Prayzer provided the entertainment and, as people in the crowd danced, the atmosphere was closer to that of a concert.<\/p>\n
Dignitaries, including leaders from various African countries filed in to cheers.<\/p>\n
Opposition leaders Morgan Tsvangirai and Joice Mujuru \u2013 who have both also had their sights on the presidency at various times \u2013 were there.<\/p>\n
Mr Mnangagwa was led in the oath of office by Chief Justice Luke Malaba, saying he would \u201cbe faithful to Zimbabwe\u201d, \u201cprotect and promote the rights and people of Zimbabwe\u201d and discharge his duties to the best of his abilities.<\/p>\n
Mr Mnangagwa was accompanied by his wife Auxilia and gave her a kiss after the green presidential sash was placed around his neck.<\/p>\n
The crowds cheered a 21-gun salute and a flypast.<\/p>\n
Was Mr Mugabe there?<\/h2>\n
No \u2013 and the official reason given was that at 93, the former president needed to rest.<\/p>\n
But the fact he is not attending is a stark reminder that this is no ordinary transition, the BBC\u2019s Andrew Harding reports, and that despite his official resignation he was forced out by the military.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, several reports suggested Mr Mugabe had been granted immunity from prosecution.<\/p>\n
Local media are reporting that Mr Mnangagwa has offered the Mugabe family \u201cmaximum security and welfare\u201d.<\/p>\n
The former president \u201cexpressed his good wishes and support for the incoming president,\u201d the Herald newspaper reports.<\/p>\n
How did Zimbabwe get to this point?<\/h2>\n
The news on Tuesday that 93-year-old Mr Mugabe was stepping down sparked wild celebrations across the country.<\/p>\n
It came in the form of a letter read out in parliament, abruptly halting impeachment proceedings against him.<\/p>\n
He had been under pressure since the military took control of the country a week before.<\/p>\n
The first rumours that something was afoot started to spread when military vehicles were spotted on roads leading to Harare. Later that day, soldiers seized the headquarters of Zimbabwe\u2019s national broadcaster ZBC and explosions and gunfire were heard.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, Mr Mugabe was pictured taking part in talks with Gen Constantino Chiwenga and South African government ministers at State House and on Friday, the president gave out degrees at a university of which he is chancellor.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, tens of thousands of Zimbabweans took to the streets of Harare to urge Mr Mugabe to go. The demonstration was led by veterans of the country\u2019s war of independence, who last year turned against him.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, Zanu-PF sacked Mr Mugabe as its leader and two days later he resigned as president.<\/p>\n
In his letter, Mr Mugabe said he was resigning to allow a smooth and peaceful transfer of power, and that his decision was voluntary.<\/p>\n
Will the change be good for the economy?<\/h2>\n
Zimbabwe\u2019s economy is in a very bad state. It has not recovered fully from crises in the last decade, when rampant inflation grew so bad the country had to abandon its own currency. Now, according to some estimates, 90% of people there are unemployed.<\/p>\n
Mr Mnangagwa has pledged to create jobs. \u201cWe want to grow our economy, we want peace, we want jobs, jobs, jobs,\u201d he told cheering crowds in Harare.<\/p>\n
Zimbabwe\u2019s main industrial index has slumped by 40% since last week\u2019s military intervention. The stock market has shed $6bn (\u00a34.5bn) in a week.<\/p>\n
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Source: BBC<\/p>\n
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