Zimbabwe gets new president

harare - Zimbabwe gets a new president for the first time in decades. Then Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to be sworn in as head of state after Robert Mugabe stepped on the plush after 37 years.

Mnangagwa, nicknamed 'the crocodile', returned to Zimbabwe on Wednesday and addressed thousands of cheering followers. 'Today we are witnessing the beginning of a new democracy that is unfolding', he promised. He is awaiting the task of revitalizing the collapsed economy of the country.

The upcoming president was a loyal ally of Mugabe for decades. He decided earlier this month to dismiss Mnangagwa as vice president. Then the army seized and government party ZANU-PF also dropped the 93-year-old Mugabe.

Mnangagwa thus quickly made the longest break in the conflict with his former political boss. The parliament president announced this week that the politician is sworn in on Friday. He can serve the term of Mugabe.