Former President Robert Mugabe is not expected to attend the inauguration of his successor and former aide, President-designate Emmerson Mnangagwa, at the National Sports Stadium today. According to State-controlled media, the official explanation is that Mugabe needs to rest as he has been through a stressful period in the last week and a half. Mugabe is reported to have expressed his best wishes and support for his successor. However, should he be able to make it, Mugabe is welcome to attend the inauguration.
Former President Mugabe’s spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services George Charamba confirmed the development saying:
He (Mnangagwa) also assured the First Family not just of their own security and welfare, but the preservation of law and order throughout the country. Both of them agreed that the former President needed time to rest after the hectic events of the week-and-a-half that has gone by and that therefore he may not be attending tomorrow’s inauguration. He gave the incoming President his good wishes and support.
Mnangagwa will become Zimbabwe’s third President since Independence in 1980. However, he will be the country’s second Executive President. Zimbabwe’s first President Canaan Banana was a Ceremonial President
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