President Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in on Monday for a second term after winning last month's election, as he vowed to bring millions of Zimbabwe's citizens out of poverty.

The people went to the polls on 23rd August, yet the principal opposition party described the results as a "gigantic fraud."

During his speech after being sworn in, President Mnangagwa pleaded for unity following the election, pledging to revive the country's economy.

"Responsive policies which began in the first term of my presidency are on course to lift many out of poverty," Mnangagwa stated.

Mnangagwa took the oath of office in front of Chief Justice Luke Malaba, who declared him the winner in 2018 after a constitutional court challenge, Reuters news agency reports.

"I stand as a president of all. I offer you, individually and collectively, unity," Mnangagwa stated.

A number of African leaders attended the ceremony, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mozambique leader Phillipe Nyusi and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, yet Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema was absent.

President Mnangagwa begins his second term during a time of persistent economic challenges. The Zimdollar has plummeted 80% since the beginning of the year, whilst international funding is still frozen.

Leader of the opposition Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) party, Nelson Chamisa, called for another vote as his party said the election was "flawed" but didn't challenge the outcome in court. 

Mnangagwa said the result was valid and cautioned of a crackdown on anyone creating turmoil.

Yet within its initial report, an observer mission by the Southern African regional bloc SADC claimed the election didn't meet regional and international standards, whilst the European Union's observer mission said the election took place under a "climate of fear.