AS IT HAPPENED: Today we're witnessing the beginning of a new democracy, says Mnangagwa
2017-11-22 19:00
Former vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa has arrived in Zimbabwe and is set to address Zanu-PF supporters at the party headquarters in the capital Harare.Follow the live updates.
ALSO READ: FULL LETTER: Robert Mugabe's resignation notice
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Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa announces 'unfolding full democracy'
Zimbabwe's incoming leader Emmerson Mnangagwa said the country was witnessing a "new and unfolding democracy" in his first public speech.
He was addressing a huge crowd outside ruling party's headquarters, speaking hours after returning to the country. He fled earlier this month after his firing by Robert Mugabe, who resigned on Tuesday under pressure from the military and ruling party.
Mnangagwa addresses his supporters. (News24)
Mnangagwa addressing masses. (News24)
Mnangagwa is finishing his speech in Shona. He's saying on Friday several heads of state have promised to be here. Says he has received messages of support from other leaders pledging their support
We need the co-operation of SADC, the continent, and our friends in the global community
Mnangagwa says we want jobs with the crowd cheering
I appeal to all genuine patriotic Zimbabweans to come together, to work together.
The will of the people will always, always succeed
Mnangagwa says the speaker of Parliament was under immense pressure from the powers that be, but he did his work
With great respect and humility and profound gratitude to my colleagues in the central committee in the manner in which they constitutionally processed the manner in which this was handled
He is now the former president of Zimbabwe
Mnangagwa thanking his colleagues, singling out Comrade Mpofu, for starting the process to get rid of "former president Mugabe"
The way you have managed this process makes SADC proud. Not only on this continent, but the world
Mnangagwa said he had spoken to heads of states including President Zuma. They have hailed the discipline and the peacefulness of the people of Zimbabwe
I was in constant contact with the service chiefs throughout
Our wish also to thank the manner in which our defence forces and general Chiwenga have managed this process very peacefully
Today we are witnessing the beginning of a new unfolding democracy
The voice of the people is the voice of God
Mnangagwa says he sent a letter to Mugabe which said the people have spoken and this was the time to comply
The people of Zimbabwe have refused
Orders were coming from people outside the executive
The G40 cabal had captured the executive through the person of our person
Today I feel I feel so humbled that you have remained here until this hour... Waiting for me.
This time around I said to myself I should not wait for them to eliminate me
I survived that poisoning
On the 12th of August this year I was subjected to poisoning which resulted in my being airlifted to South Africa
Within two hours I was informed about plans to eliminate me
Mnangagwa: Exactly 16 days ago I received a letter firing me from the government of the Republic of Zimbabwe
Mnangagwa says he'll make his formal inaugural speech around 10am on Friday.
Mnangagwa: Zimbabwe's president-designate Emmerson Mnangagwa tells Zimbabweans: Today is the beginning of a new unfolding democracy
Massive cheers as Mpofu reads out Mnangagwa's name
Mpofu: We also know how this man has been hounded and humiliated
Mpofu: We all know how he (Mnangagwa) has served our government.
Mpofu: Mnangagwe came home after serious threats to his safety and security. We will not get into details today. Mpofu says it's time to introduce Mnangagwa
He thanks the "gallant fighters" for being the most disciplined army in the world and helping the masses of Zimbabweans to remove dictatorship
Mpofu: the events of the past few weeks have been moving at lightening speed
Watch the video below as Mnangagwa addresses the masses
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Mnangagwe surrounded by at least 8 bodyguards. Obert Mpofu is busy introducing him
Massive cheers as Mnangagwa arrives. People chanting "Garwe" meaning crocodile
Motorcade with lots of security now pulling into the Zanu-PF headquarters. Looks like Mnangagwa has finally arrived.
A Zimbabwean holds a crocodile soft toy as he celebrates from a car the arrival of Zimbabwe's ousted vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is referred to as the "crocodile". (Stefan Heunis/AFP)
