LIVE updates: #Mnangagwa inauguration
Thousands of people have thronged the National Sports Stadium in Harare to witness the inauguration into office of President-designate Emmerson Mnangagwa who is set to be sworn into office after a military coup deposed former president Robert Mugabe after 37 years in power.
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9:40 – At the RG Mugabe International Airport, three Cabinet Ministers arrived early to welcome foreign dignitaries coming for the inauguration of incoming President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Ministers are Patrick Chinamasa, Kembo Mohadi and Lazarus Dokora.
9:50 – First to arrive was South Africa’s Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services Siyabonga Cwele. Other Cabinet Ministers also here are Oppah Muchinguri and Nyasha Chikwinya.
10:00 – Botswana President Ian Khama is the first Head of State to arrive. He says he expects to strengthen relations with Zimbabwe and its new administration.
President Khama was followed by Zambia President Edgar Lungu.
President Lungu arrived in the company of former President Kenneth kaunda. President Lungu hails the manner in which Zimbabwe conducted its transition, saying it shows the growth of democracy in Zimbabwe and the SADC region at large.
Former Zambian President Rupiah Banda is also part of the delegation
10:15 – Namibian Vice President Nickey Iyambo arrives leading a delegation that include former Presidents Sam Nujoma. Also just arriving is Mozambique President Felipe Nyusi who says Mozambique is with the people of Zimbabwe in this transition.
10:20 – At the venue of the event, the National Sports Stadium, Service Chiefs led by Commander of the Defence Force Dr Constantino Nyikadzino Guvheya Chiwenga have taken seats. They arrived shortly after the Mayor of the City of Harare, His Worship Bernard Manyenyeni
10:25 – All dignitaries have taken seats and are ready to welcome President elect, Hon Mnangagwa who is set to arrive shortly.
10:42– Amid cheers, the President elect, Mnangagwa who is accompanied by his wife, Auxillia makes grand entrance into the stadium.
10:50 – Botswana President lan Khama has just left the HICC heading to the venue of the inauguration.
10:51 – As the multitudes wait for the arrival of visiting Heads of States, Jah Prayzah is invited to the stage and he takes off with “Kutonga Kwaro” much to the amusement of the crowd.
1055 – Former Presidents of the Republic of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda and Rupiah Banda are here to witness the inauguration of Zimbabwe’s Second Executive President, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe’s first President after independence was the late Reverend Canaan Sodindo Banana. He was President at a time RG Mugabe was Prime Minister with the latter assuming the Vice Presidency later. Mugabe tendered his resignation on November 21, 2017.
10:58 – His Excellency Hon Edgar Lungu has also arrived here at the National Sports Stadium.
11:01 – Also heading for the HICC are former Namibian President Sam Nujoma and the current Vice President Nickey Iyambo.
11:12 – Thunderous welcome for the President of Botswana, Ian Khama as he gets into the Stadium.
11:16 – Mozambique President Nyusi makes his way through the arena to join other Heads of State who are here for the inauguration of Mnangagwa as Zimbabwe’s President.
11:34 – Speaker of Parliament Advocate Mudenda calls upon Chief Justice Luke Malaba to call upon Incoming President to proceed and take Oath of Office.
11:39 – In Section 94 of the Constitution the Incoming President now takes Oath of Office.
“I Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa swear that as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe I will serve Zimbabwe and obey and defend the constitution of Zimbabwe, and that i will promote whatever will advance and oppose whatever may harm Zimbabwe
I will protect and promote the rights of the people of Zimbabwe. I will discharge my duties with all my strength to the best of my knowledge. . . .that I will devote myself to the well being of Zimbabwe, So help me God,” says Mnangagwa.
11:49 – Commander Defence Forces and Service Chiefs now pay compliments to the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
11:52 – Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Constantine Nyikadzino Guveya Chiwenga pays allegiance to Mnangagwa.
He is followed by Commissioner General of the Police, Augustine Chihuri.
11:52 – Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Constantine Nyikadzino Guveya Chiwenga pays allegiance to His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa.
He is followed by Commissioner General of the Police, Augustine Chihuri.
11:56 – The Master of Ceremony appeals for order as people express displeasure at Commissioner General Chihuri yelling, “Ngaaende! Ngaaende! (He must go! He must go!)
Commissioner General Paradzai Zimondi of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services is next and soon after his allegiance wild cheers follow . . . a direct opposite of the case of Commissioner General Chihuri.
11:59 – Zimbabwe’s new First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa joins President ED Mnangagwa at the podium to congratulate him and the two share a kiss . . .
12:00 -The National Anthem is now being sung followed by the gun salute. . .and a fly past of military jets.
12:07 – Parade Commander invites the President to inspect the Guard of Honour accompanied by Commander Defence Forces.
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Former finance minister Ignatius Chombo admitted to hospital on Friday with injuries sustained from beatings he received in military custody. His lawyer Lovemore Madhuku said Chombo had injuries to his hands, legs and back and was blindfolded throughout his week in custody.
He was being accused of corruption and abuse of power relating to his time as local government minister more than a decade ago, Madhuku added. Chombo has been handed over to the police, a relative said on Friday.
