Zimbabwe's takeover leader sworn in as Vice President

Harare, Dec. 28 (IANS): Zimbabwe's former Army commander Constantino Chiwenga, who led a military takeover that saw former President Robert Mugabe ousted, was sworn in on Thursday as one of the southern African country's Vice Presidents. Chiwenga was sworn into office as joint Vice President alongside former Minister of National Security Kembo Mohadi, who following the takeover in November was named Minister of Defence, Security and War Veterans. The swearing-in ceremony took place at President Emmerson Mnangagwa's palace in the capital, the public broadcaster ZBC reported. According to critics, Chiwenga's appointment as Vice President was considered a reward for his role in getting Mugabe to step down after 37 years in power. Chiwenga resigned from his position as head of the Army days after Mugabe removed himself as President on November 21, paving the way for Mnangagwa, former Vice President under Mugabe, to become Zimbabwe's new President.