Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwe president

HARARE - Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in for a second term on Monday as Zimbabwe president.

READ: Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa wins second term in disputed vote

He took oath of office in front of the country's Chief Justice and thousands of supporters,
bused in from around the country.

While guests included South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mozambique leader Phillipe Nyusi and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, the event was largely snubbed by other regional leaders.

A SADC observer mission denounced the polls, saying they fell short of regional and international standards.
The European Union's observer mission agreed that the elections took place under a climate of fear.

Mnangagwa's government was also criticised for the arrest of over 40 civil society organisation activists, and alleged voter intimidation.

The main opposition party has described the results as a gigantic fraud.

In his speech after being sworn in, Mnangagwa pleaded for unity in the aftermath of the polls, promising to revive the ailing economy.

He said, "under my leadership and the new Zanu PF government democracy, good governance, the rule of law and the politics of tolerance will be entrenched."

"Allow me to once again commend you the people of our great motherland Zimbabwe, the people of Monomotapa for the successful watershed peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible harmonised general elections."