| Submit your comments on this article | |
| Africa Subsaharan | |
| Mugabe sworn in for new term as Zimbabwe president | |
| 2013-08-23 | |
Veteran leader Robert Mugabe was sworn in as Zimbabwe's president for another five-year term on Thursday before a stadium packed with tens of thousands of jubilant supporters. Mugabe, 89, pledged "to observe, uphold and defend the constitution of Zimbabwe" in an oath administered by Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, extending his 33-year rule.
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai insists the July 31 vote was stolen and his party boycotted the inauguration. Tsvangirai's spokesman said the opposition leader "can't attend a robber's party." Former colonial power Britain has called for an 'independent investigation' into the conduct of the election, which Mugabe officially won by a landslide. Unlike previous low-key investitures, the event was replete with banners, flags and chants carried strong echoes of Mugabe's inauguration as prime minister of a newly independent Zimbabwe in 1980. The absence of many neighbouring leaders, including President Jacob Zuma of regional power-broker South Africa, did little to dampen enthusiasm. Tanzania's Jakaya Kikwete, Namibia's Hifikepunye Pohamba and the Democratic Republic of Congo's Joseph Kabila were among those leaders who attended. Mugabe was greeted in the stadium by thunderous cheers and whistling when he arrived with his wife on board a military truck. Gates to the Chinese-built stadium, the venue of Mugabe's inauguration as president in 1987, opened shortly after dawn. The day was declared a public holiday, helping boost attendance. | |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 Former colonial power Britain has called for an 'independent investigation' into the conduct of the election, which Mugabe officially won by a landslide. Difficult to imagine such dire outcomes 40 years ago eh #10 ? Erma's Bordello Discounts for hotel residents. Bookings available at reception, Closed for religious services on Sunday. - Notice above Reception desk, Hilltop Pension, Arenas de Mar |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2013-08-23 02:32 |