Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwe president, praises 'father of the nation' Mugabe

Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as the new president of Zimbabwe today bringing Robert Mugabe's era to an end as people celebrated on the streets.

Several thousand people thronged Harare's National Sports Stadium to witness Mnangagwa's oath-taking ceremony.

"I Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa swear that as the president of the republic of Zimbabwe I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and obey, uphold and defend the constitution and all other laws of Zimbabwe," the new presidentsaid as he took the oath of office before the country's chief justice.

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During his speech after being sworn in Emmerson Mnangagwa praisedRobert Mugabe calling him"the father of the nation".

"Let me at this stage pay tribute to theonly surviving, founding fathers of our nation, comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe,"Mnangagwa said after beingsworn-in as president.

"Let us all accept and acknowledge his immense contribution to the building of our nation," Mnangagwa said.

The event took place under heavy security with snipers taking up positions within the stadium even as people celebrated.

Amid the celebrations, there were reports of Emmerson Mnangagwa having assured Mugabe "maximum security" ahead of his swearing-in ceremony.

"Mnangagwa (Thursday) spoke to (the) outgoing President... and assured him and his family maximum security and welfare as he appraised him of preparations for (Friday's) inauguration," the state-run Herald news site reported.

Reports also said Mugabe will be granted immunity from prosecution.