Former vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa will be sworn in as Zimbabwe’s president on Friday, bringing the final curtain down on the 37-year rule of Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa will cap a stunning political comeback after Mugabe fired him on Nov. 6 for showing “traits of disloyalty”.
The political rift prompted Mnangagwa, one of Mugabe’s most trusted lieutenants, to flee the country in fear for his life. It also brought the tanks into the streets.
Mugabe, who had been in power since independence in 1980, resigned on Tuesday after the army seized power and the ruling ZANU-PF party turned against him.
Mugabe stepped down as parliament began a process to impeach him, sparking wild celebrations in the streets.
Mnangagwa told a cheering crowd in Harare on Wednesday night after his return that Zimbabwe was entering a new stage of democracy.
“The people have spoken. The voice of the people is the voice of God,” he told thousands of supporters.
On Thursday, the incoming leader urged citizens not to undertake “vengeful retribution” – striking a tone of reconciliation.
Mugabe was granted immunity from prosecution and assured that his safety would be protected in his home country as part of a deal that led to his resignation, sources said.
Mnangagwa’s priority will be to rebuild a shattered economy and restore investor confidence.
Zimbabwe’s bourse, which had been on a rapid rise, lost $6 billion during this month’s military intervention as its main index fell by 40 percent.
Analysts say it will fall even further before recovering.
