Mnangagwa and Mphoko sworn in as Vice-Presidents despite court threat

Former Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and former ambassador Phelekezela Mphoko were today sworn in as Zimbabwe’s two Vice-Presidents despite threats by the National Constitutional Assembly to go to court to nullify the appointments. NCA leader Lovemore Madhuku had threatened to take the appointments to the Constitutional Court to have them nullified arguing that they were not constitutional.  Mnangagwa and Mphoko were sworn-in shortly after 11am today.  It is not yet clear whether Madhuku took his case to court or not. Mnangagwa and Mphoko were appointed on Wednesday, three days after the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front congress which endorsed Mugabe as the party leader. Mugabe now appoints members of the politburo. Previously the two vice-presidents and the national chairman were elected by congress. Mugabe abolished the post of national chairman last filled by Simon Khaya Moyo who was allegedly linked to the Joice Mujuru faction but survived the purge which saw Vice-President Joice Mujuru and eight ministers losing their jobs. Moyo is now secretary for Information and Publicity and Minister of Economic Planning. State media reported that there was a poisoning attempt on Mnangagwa just before his appointment and three people are now in hospital.

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