Zimbabwe's Mugabe appoints new vice president
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 10, 2014 5:26PM GMT
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has appointed Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as the new vice president.
Mugabe announced the appointment during an event at the headquarters of the ruling ZANU-PF party (Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front) in the capital, Harare, on Wednesday.
The president also appointed former diplomat, Phelekezela Mphoko, as the second vice president. The position, however, is symbolic.
"These I would like to be sworn in on Friday at State House," Mugabe said.
Joice Mujuru was Mugabe's deputy until he was dismissed on December 8 over a plot against the president.
Mujuru has denied plotting against the president, calling the claims "ridiculous."
Analysts say Mugabe is concerned over his family's security in case he quits. These concerns caused the dismissal of Mujuru and eight other ministers.
Mnangagwa has served as minister of justice since 2013. The former justice minister has been also in charge of a variety of senior posts in the country's defense and internal security apparatus.
The 68-year-old played a pivotal role in Mugabe's crackdown on opposition supporters that killed thousands of people in the 1980s.
During the 2008 elections, which the opposition won in the first round, Mnangagwa helped Mugabe hold on to power.
MIS/HSN/SS
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