New Zimbabwe president promises sweeping changes

This article is more than 12 months old

Nov 25, 2017 06:00 am

HARARE: Emmerson Mnangagwa vowed sweeping change as he was sworn in as Zimbabwe's president yesterday, seeking to reassure foreign investors and pledging to fight poverty and corruption after Mr Robert Mugabe's resignation.

In his inaugural address, the new president set out a programme of dramatic change that promised a stark reversal of many of Mr Mugabe's signature policies.

He pledged that his government would compensate white farmers whose land was seized by Mr Mugabe, would protect international investments in the country and re-engage with foreign powers.

"I humbly appeal to all of us that we let bygones be bygones... We must work together - you, me, all of us who make this nation," he said at the ceremony.

But critics have warned that Mr Mnangaga - whose ruthlessness won him the nickname "The Crocodile" and who has been accused of overseeing violence and ethnic massacres - could prove just as authoritarian as his mentor. - AFP