(24 Nov 2017) Zimbabwe's new President Emmerson Mnangagwa vowed Friday he will work to reduce crushing unemployment and return the country to prosperity after years of decline, as the nation cheered a new beginning after the extraordinary exit of Robert Mugabe.
"The bottom line is an economy which is back on its feet. Only that way can we recover this economy, get jobs for our youth and reduce poverty for our people," Mnangagwa told the crowd of 60,000 witnessing his inauguration at a stadium in the capital, Harare.
Zimbabwe's unemployment rate is estimated to be 80 percent.
Mnangagwa, fired earlier this month as vice president, took power after a whirlwind series of events that ousted the 93-year-old Mugabe, who had been the world's oldest head of state.
Mugabe who succumbed to pressure to quit from the military, the ruling party and massive demonstrations amid fears his unpopular wife would succeed him.
The new president's speech struck notes of inclusion and reconciliation after years of growing frustration with Mugabe's 37-year rule.
Mnangagwa said farmers would be compensated for the often forceful land seizures that drew international condemnation and sanctions and contributed to the country's economic slide.
But the programme that saw land seized from white farmers and given to black Zimbabweans will not be reversed, he said.
The new president also sought to reassure the international community and attract badly sought investment.
He promised that all foreign investment would be safe, addressing fears following moves by Mugabe to nationalise the country's lucrative resources such as diamonds, platinum, gold and chrome.
Mnangagwa also said he will tackle corruption, and pledged that "democratic" elections will be held next year as planned.
He promised to change Zimbabwe's political climate which he characterized as "poisonous, rancorous and polarized."
And yet he opened his speech by praising outgoing leader Mugabe, who remains praised by many in Africa for his role in ending white-minority ruled Rhodesia.
"Let me at this stage pay special tribute to a one off and the only surviving founding father of our Nation, Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
"To me personally he remains a father, mentor, comrade-in-arms and my leader," he added.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by regional leaders including the presidents of Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia.
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