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Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa pledges to fix economy, elections next year

Friday November 24 2017
Zim Mnangagwa

Zimbabwean newly sworn-in President Emmerson Mnangagwa (left) flanked by his wife Auxilia gestures to a crowd during the inauguration ceremony at the National Sport Stadium in Harare, on November 24, 2017. AFP PHOTO | MUJAHID SAFODIEN

By AFP
By BBC

Zimbabwe's newly sworn-in President Emmerson Mnangagwa vowed during his inauguration speech Friday to fix the economy and battle corruption which was closely associated with his predecessor Robert Mugabe's rule.

"Acts of corruption must stop forthwith. Where these occur, swift justice must be served," he told a crowd of tens of thousands at his inauguration ceremony in Harare, promising to "create jobs for our youth and reduce poverty for all".

He warned civil servants against failure to report to work warning it will not be "business as usual" as there is an economy to recover.

"Gone are the days of absenteeism," he said.

Mugabe praise

Early in his address, the new president paid tribute to Mugabe as the "only surviving, founding fathers of our nation".

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"He led us in our struggle for national independence, he assumed responsibility of leadership at a challenging time... that is to be lauded and celebrated."

He said despite errors Mugabe might have made, "let us all accept and acknowledge his immense contribution to the building of our nation."

"To me personally he remains a comrade in arms and mentor."

Land compensation

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe's land reform was inevitable and cannot be reversed as that would be a betrayal of the liberation struggle.

But he promised to compensate farmers whose land was confiscated under the controversial land redistribution programme initiated by Mugabe.

"My government is committed to compensate those farmers from whom land was taken, in terms of the laws of the land," said Mnangagwa.

Re-engaging with the world

Mnangagwa pledged that his country would service all its debt obligations - a nod to the investors he hopes to attract.

"All foreign investments will be safe in Zimbabwe," he said.

"I stand here today to say we are willing and able for a steady reengagement with the nations of the world."

He also promised to crack down on the smuggling of goods.

Zimbabwe, he said, is entering "the second phase of its birth" and "solidarity and partnership is the way forward".

2018 elections

The new leader also called for Zimbabweans to remain peaceful ahead of next year's elections.

"The task before us is much bigger than competing for political office."

He ended with these words: "Let us all play our part to build this great country together as Zimbabweans. May God bless Zimbabwe. I thank you."

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