Zimbabwe: President Mnangagwa Sworn In After Disputed Election

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in for a second term on Monday after being proclaimed the winner of a contentious election last month, promising to pull millions out of poverty.

Zimbabweans went to the polls on August 23 to elect a new president, lawmakers, and members of local councils, but the main opposition party called the results a "gigantic fraud."

Mnangagwa begged for unity in the aftermath of the elections in his inauguration speech, promising to rebuild the country's ailing economy.

"Responsive policies that began during my first term are on track to lift many out of poverty," Mnangagwa remarked.

Thousands of Mnangagwa fans chanted and danced as the 80-year-old went into the National Sports Stadium with his wife.

He took the oath of office in front of Chief Justice Luke Malaba, who ruled Mnangagwa the winner after a constitutional court challenge in 2018.

"I stand as a president of all. I offer you individually and collectively, unity," Mnangagwa said.

Several African officials attended the ceremony, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mozambique leader Phillipe Nyusi, and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, although Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema chose to stay away.

Mnangagwa's second term comes amid persistent economic challenges, with the Zim dollar down 80% since the beginning of the year and international aid halted.