Zimbabwe prepares for swearing-in of new leader Mnangagwa
As Zimbabwe prepares
to swear in a new leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa, questions remain on the future of
Robert Mugabe, who ruled for 37 years, and the wife who just days ago was
poised to succeed him.
The 93-year-old Mugabe,
who resigned on Tuesday as lawmakers began impeaching him, has not
spoken publicly since his stunning speech on Sunday night defying
calls from the military, ruling party and the people to step down.
Mugabe appeared to
remain in the capital, Harare, with former first lady Grace, but it was not
clear under what terms.
Mnangagwa is set to be
sworn in Friday morning at a 60,000-seat stadium after making a
triumphant return to the country. He fled shortly after his firing, claiming
threats to his life.
His speech upon his
return Wednesday night outside ruling party headquarters promised
"a new, unfolding democracy" and efforts to rebuild a shattered
economy. But he also recited slogans from the ruling ZANU-PF party, declaring
death to "enemies," that are unlikely to reassure the opposition.
The opposition party
MDC-T, which supported Mugabe's removal, said it had not been invited to the
inauguration. Spokesman Obert Guru said the party was closely watching
Mnangagwa's next moves, "particularly regarding the dismantling of all the
oppressive pillars of repression."
In a new statement
Thursday, Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans against "vengeful retribution."
Read also : France Tasks Libya "Crimes Against Humanity"
The pastor who led
large anti-government protests last year, Evan Mawarire, says Zimbabweans
should let Mnangagwa know that the country should be for everyone and not just
the ruling party.
Mnangagwa is a former
justice and defence minister with close ties to the military 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, and he remains on a U.S. sanctions list over allegations of
violently cracking down on opponents.
Mnangagwa, who fled
Zimbabwe after being fired on Nov. 6, was in hiding during the week-long
political drama that led to Mugabe's resignation. His appearance on
Wednesday, flanked by heavy security, delighted supporters who hope he can
guide Zimbabwe out of the political and economic turmoil that has exacted a
heavy toll on the southern African nation of 16 million.
The 75-year-old said
he had received messages of support from other countries. "We need the
cooperation of the continent of Africa," he said. "We need the
cooperation of our friends outside the continent."
Mnangagwa will serve
Mugabe's remaining term until elections at some point next year. Opposition
lawmakers who have alleged vote-rigging in the past say balloting must be free
and fair, a call the United States and others have echoed.
Mugabe's firing of his
longtime deputy as the first lady positioned herself to succeed her husband led
the military to step in, put under house arrest the man who took power after
the end of white minority rule in 1980.
Mugabe's resignation
has been met with wild celebrations by people thrilled to be rid of a leader
whose early promise was overtaken by economic collapse, government dysfunction
and human rights violations.
On Thursday, an
editorial in the privately run NewsDay newspaper said Mnangagwa has "an
unenviable task" and that he should set up a coalition government that
represents all Zimbabweans.
"Arguments by
some sections of society are that indeed Mnangagwa was part of the failed Zanu
PF regime until two weeks ago, and may not have been the right person for the
job, given the political and economic errors of the past," the editorial
said. "The new president will come under significant pressure to perform
miracles to prove his critics wrong."
Post a Comment