'The Crocodile' Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in as new leader of Zimbabwe

The new leader of Zimbabwe was sworn in today in front of cheering crowds, three days after Robert Mugabe bowed to public pressure and resigned as president.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, known as “the crocodile” because of his political cunning, became only the country’s second leader since independence from white minority rule in 1980.

He pledged to “obey, uphold and defend the constitution” and protect the rights of Zimbabweans and “devote himself to the wellbeing of Zimbabwe and its people”.

There were loud cheers as giant screens showed the official documents being signed and as he was vested with the chains of office.

Follow the latest on this story LIVE here

The ceremony, with his wife Auxilia alongside, was followed by a gun salute and flypast.

Mr Mnangagwa, 75, was inaugurated at the National Sports Stadium in Harare at 9.45am UK time. Some began to dance and banners read “Dawn of a new era”. He greeted the crowd of tens of thousands with a raised fist.

The former deputy president, who was fired by Mr Mugabe 18 days ago, had returned two days ago after fleeing to South Africa when the military seized control.

Mr Mugabe, the world’s oldest head of state, resigned on Tuesday after 37 years in power, sparking nationwide celebrations. His own ruling party, Zanu-PF, had begun impeachment proceedings.

Organisers had called on Zimbabweans to witness a “historic day”.

Some banners in the crowd read “No to retribution,” as human rights activists began to report details of attacks on close allies of the former first lady Grace Mugabe, who military chiefs feared was about to succeed her 93-year-old husband.

General Constantino Chiwenga, the military commander who put Mr Mugabe under house arrest, received a big cheer as he arrived.

Tendai Lesayo, holding a Zimbabwean flag as she sold drinks outside the stadium, said she would welcome a fresh start. “Life now is impossible,” she said.

Elsewhere in the capital, long lines formed outside banks, a common sight in a nation with severe economic problems that the new president will have to confront.

“Right now, nothing has really changed for me. I still cannot get my money from the bank,” said Amon Mutora.

Kelvin Fungai, a 19-year-old selling bananas from a cart, said: “Attending the inauguration will not bring food for my family.”

Concerns remain about Mr Mnangagwa due to his association with some of worst atrocities committed under the ruling Zanu-PF party since independence.

But his daughter Farai Mlotshwa told the BBC that he was a “softie”. As if to reinforce this softer image, a cuddly crocodile soft toy was being passed among supporters.

Mr Mugabe was not expected to attend the swearing-in. Zimbabwe’s state-run Herald newspaper said he “needed time to rest” and his family had been assured by Mr Mnangagwa of their “maximum security” as they remain in the country.

Mr Mnangagwa, a former justice and defence minister, was a key Mugabe confidant for decades until they fell out because of the presidential ambitions of Mrs Mugabe. Despite his long association with the government, Mr Mnangagwa has promised democracy.