Prez Mnangagwa vows to rebuild Zimbabwe, ‘serve all the citizens’

Harare, November 24

New President Emmerson Mnangagwa, known as the “Crocodile”, laid out a grand vision today to revitalise Zimbabwe’s ravaged economy and vowed to rule on behalf of all country’s citizens.

Sworn in days after the overthrow of Robert Mugabe, the 75-year-old former security chief promised to guarantee the rights of foreign investors and to re-engage with the West, and said elections would go ahead next year as scheduled.

In a speech to thousands of supporters in Harare’s national stadium, Mnangagwa extended an olive branch to opponents, apparently aiming to bridge the ethnic and political divides exploited by his predecessor during his 37 years incharge.

“I intend, nay, am required, to serve our country as the president of all citizens, regardless of colour, creed, religion, tribe or political affiliation,” he said, in a speech that also hailed the voice of the people as the “voice of god”.

Behind the rhetoric, some Zimbabweans wonder whether a man who loyally served Mugabe for decades can bring change to a ruling establishment accused of systematic human rights abuses and disastrous economic policies.

He made clear that the land reforms that sparked the violent seizure of thousands of white-owned farms from 2000 would not be reversed, but promised that those who lost property would receive compensation.

To some political opponents, the speech was a welcome change from the habitual belligerence of Mugabe and appeared to be drawing on Mnangagwa’s knowledge and understanding of China as a model for running an economy.

“His model has been the Chinese,” said David Coltart, a former education minister and MP from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

“He will drive to make Zimbabwe a more attractive investment location, and more efficient, but like China will not tolerate dissent. If you ‘behave’, you will be secure.”

Mnangagwa was incharge of internal security at the time, but has denied any part in the atrocities. — Reuters

Portrays Mugabe as national hero

• The new leader, who served as Robert Mugabe’s right-hand man for most of his career, used his first official address to try and differentiate himself from his predecessor, as his opponents try to depict him as part of the status quo
• He promised reforms to lift Zimbabwe out of poverty by jump-starting the country’s lifeless economy and stamping out rampant corruption. 
• Despite earlier admitting he played a role in Mugabe’s demise, Mnangagwa showered the former leader with praise Friday, portraying him as a national hero.