Zimbabwe's new president Emmerson Mnangagwa pays tribute to leader he ousted while vowing to transform the country and its poisonous politics

New Zimbabwe President Emerson Mnangagwa is seen walking on the pitch at the National Sports Stadium after he was sworn in as the country's new leader

Zimbabwe's new president Emmerson Mnangagwa paid tribute to Robert Mugabe as he was sworn in, praising his ousted predecessor as a 'mentor' and 'father'.

The in his inauguration speech, the hardline politician known as The Crocodile, urged his countrymen to 'let bygones be bygones' after 37 years of dictatorship in the country.While he used the speech as an opportunity to promise a new era in Zimbabwe, he also acknowledged his debt to long time ally Mugabe and praised the role he played in the country's liberation from colonial rule.

'He led us in our struggle for national independence,' Mnangagwa said as he took took the oath of office before a full-to-capacity crowd at the national sports stadium on the outskirts of Harare.

'He assumed responsibility for leadership at a formative and very challenging time.'

He told the colourful ceremony attended by African leaders and other dignitaries the nation should 'let bygones be bygones' and 'to me personally, he remains a father, mentor, comrade in arms and my leader'.

Mnangagwa also pledged that 'democratic' elections will be held next year as planned, and promised to change the 'poisonous, rancorous and polarized' political climate.

'We should never remain hostages of our past,' the longtime Mugabe ally said, urging the nation to let bygones be bygones.

'We ask those who have punished us in the past to reconsider.'

As he wore the sash of office, the new president's received a 21-gun salute, cannon fire and flyby by military aircraft.

'(I am) required to serve our country as the president of all citizens, regardless of color, creed, religion, totem or political affiliation,' he said in remarks after his swearing in.

Among his other pledges, Mnangagwa also vowed to fight poverty and corruption as well as pay compensation to farmers who lost land under the Mugabe regime.

'Our economic policy will be directed for job, job, job creation. We must work together. You, me, all of us who make up this nation,'

Mugabe, 93, was not present to hear his successor's praises. He was said to be too tired to attend.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, centre-right, and his wife Auxillia arrive at the presidential inauguration ceremony in the capital Harare, Zimbabwe

Emmerson Mnangagwa raises his fist to the sky as thousands of his supporters watch on from the stands