Mnangagwa in Charge of Zimbabwe as Mugabe Goes on Leave

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has left newly-installed Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa in charge as he began his annual holiday, state radio announced Monday.

The move comes after months of political upheaval in Zimbabwe over the succession to 90-year-old Mugabe when he dies or steps down.

"President Robert Mugabe left Harare yesterday for his annual holiday in the Far East," Spot FM radio reported.

"The president is expected back in Zimbabwe in mid-January. In his absence Vice President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is the acting president."

Mnangagwa, a long-time ally of Mugabe who doubles as Zimbabwe's Justice Minister, was sworn in as vice-president last Friday, putting him firmly in line to succeed the veteran ruler.

Mnangagwa replaced former vice-president and presidential hopeful Joice Mujuru, who was accused of plotting to topple Mugabe in a sustained campaign of attacks by Mugabe's wife Grace.

Nicknamed "Ngwena" (The Crocodile) and renowned for his stern demeanor and tough talk, Mnangagwa has held various senior posts in the country's defense and internal security apparatus.

He played a critical role in Mugabe's crackdown against opposition supporters that claimed thousands of lives in the 1980s, and which became internationally known as "Gukurahundi".

Mnangagwa also helped Mugabe hold on to power during the 2008 elections, which the opposition won in the first round, but which were boycotted in the second round because of widespread intimidation and violence.