Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans were at Harare's National Sports Stadium on Friday to witness the inauguration of former vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa to replace Robert Mugabe, an AFP correspondent said.

Snipers took up positions around the stadium amid tight security as Mnangagwa supporters streamed in, with many dancing as music played, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mnangagwa, who will replace his autocratic former boss as head of state.