By Diana Rose Wairumbi
Zimbabwe on Wednesday celebrated its Independence Day for the first time without former President Robert Mugabe.
The 94-year-old ruled the southern African nation for more than 30 years, and – alongside his wife Grace Mugabe – was a constant presence at the celebrations.
Mugabe resigned in November after a military take-over, and has in the past criticized the manner in which he was forced to quit power. He is also rumoured to be backing a breakaway faction of the ruling ZANU-PF Party.
The Independence Day celebrations were held in the National Stadium in Harare, presided over by incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
During the event, the president lit the independence flame and the First Lady released pigeons as a sign of peace.
This year’s celebrations were themed: “Zimbabwe @38: Socio-Economic Restoration and International Re-engagement.” It aims to portray that Mnangagwa has championed ever since he took office.
The country is scheduled to hold a presidential election in July, with Mnangagwa seeking his first term as president. He will go up against 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
