Nov 22, 2017

Mugabe successor to be sworn in this week

Axios

Vice President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, left, stands behind Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe after his swearing in ceremony in 2014. Photo: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi / AP

"Zimbabwe's former vice-president, whose sacking led to the shock resignation of long-time leader Robert Mugabe, will be sworn in as the new president on Friday," BBC reports. Emmerson Mnangagwa, who fled to South Africa two weeks ago, will fly home today

What's happening: The end of Mugabe's 37-year rule sparked wild celebrations across the country late into the night.

The resignation:

  • "The announcement that the 93-year-old was stepping down came in the form of a letter read out in parliament, ... abruptly halting impeachment proceedings against him."
  • "Mugabe said he was resigning to allow a smooth and peaceful transfer of power, and that his decision was voluntary." Ha!

N.Y. Times Quote of the Day ... David Mushakwe, a car electrician in Harare: "I just want to say to His Excellency: 'Go and rest now, our father. We still love you. But we're happy today. We're hoping now for a better future.'"

Go deeper

Dave Lawler

History's largest lockdown leaves Indian workers stranded, afraid

A migrant worker on the move with his child, in Gurugram, India. Photo: Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty

Few moments better capture the world into which we've slipped than the decision of one man to order 1.4 billion into lockdown.

Why it matters: India’s three-week lockdown is the largest ever attempted, and it sparked South Asia's greatest migration since partition in 1947. While the economic effects could be devastating, the public health crisis it's intended to fend off could be more destructive still.

Go deeperArrow20 mins ago - World
Axios

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 7 p.m. ET: 782,319 — Total deaths: 37,582 — Total recoveries: 164,565.
  2. U.S.: Leads the world in confirmed cases. Total confirmed cases as of 5 p.m. ET: 161,807 — Total deaths: 2,953 — Total recoveries: 5,595.
  3. Federal government latest: The White House will extend its social distancing guidelines until April 30.
  4. State updates: Rural-state governors say testing is still inadequate, contradicting Trump — Virginia, Maryland and D.C. issue stay-at-home orders to residents, joining 28 other states.
  5. Business latest: Ford and General Electric aim to make 50,000 ventilators in 100 days.
  6. In photos: Navy hospital ship arrives in Manhattan.
  7. What should I do? Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — Q&A: Minimizing your coronavirus risk.
  8. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it.

Subscribe to Mike Allen's Axios AM to follow our coronavirus coverage each morning from your inbox.

Keep ReadingArrowUpdated 55 mins ago - Politics & Policy
Ursula Perano

First U.S. service member dies from coronavirus

Photo: Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images.

The Pentagon on Monday announced the death of a member of the New Jersey National Guard who tested positive for the coronavirus.

Why it matters: It's the first U.S. service member — active, reserve or Guard — to die from the virus, according to the Pentagon. The guardsman passed away on Saturday after being hospitalized for the novel coronavirus on March 21.

Go deeperArrow1 hour ago - Health