Emmerson Mnangagwa, reading the text of the oath and vowing on the Bible, officially took the office of the president of Zimbabwe in the presence of many thousands of spectators at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, RIA Novosti reports.

The speech of the newly-made president was drowned for several times in ovation of the audience.

Mnangagwa, who is now 75 years old, was dismissed from the post of the first vice president of the country in November. According to media reports, President Mugabe made this decision under the influence of his wife Grace, who allegedly intended to occupy the highest post in the country after her husband, and saw her direct competitor in Mnangagwe, who enjoyed authority among the military and the population of the country.

It was also reported that the former first lady suspected Mnangagwa of preparing a military revolution. Soon after the dismissal of the first vice-president, Mnangagwa left the country, saying he feared for the safety of his family and his life.

However, shortly after Mnangagwa's removal from his post, Zimbabwe Defense Force soldiers placed President Mugabe under house arrest, and also established control over the state broadcasting company ZBC and the airport.