Emmerson Mnangagwa becomes president of Zimbabwe

President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa and his wife Auxillia returned to Harare on Wednesday from temporary exile in neighboring South Africa. The former vice president fled earlier in November when his power struggle with the former first lady, Grace Mugabe, came to a head and he was sacked by Zimbabwe's ex-President Robert Mugabe.

Driving rain did not hinder tens of thousands of people from coming to the National Sports Stadium to witness the transition of power. Former President Mugabe's resignation on Wednesday prompted jubilant Zimbabweans to take to the streets of Harare in celebration.

Members of Zimbabwe's judiciary arrive at the stadium to oversee the inauguration. Emmerson Mnangagwa takes over after a bloodless coup saw the end of strongman Mugabe's 37-year rule.

Mnangagwa has been a mainstay of Zimbabwe's politics since the country's independence struggle against Great Britain in the 1970s and 80s, and also served as the country's spy chief. He was considered to be Mugabe's likely choice as sucessor until his ouster on November 6.

Mnangagwa is considered to be popular with the army, who led the uprising against 93-year-old Mugabe last week. Military officials took over state broadcasters and government buildings, announcing that they sought to root out the "criminals" in Mugabe's inner circle.

"I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and obey, uphold and defend the constitution and all other laws of Zimbabwe," Mnangagwa said before the country's chief justice. Robert Mugabe was not present at the inauguration, "given the hectic events of the past week-and-a-half," according to Zimbabwe's Herald newspaper.