Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated the newly-sworn in President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, saying Africans should give necessary cooperation and support to the new government in the country.

Obasanjo in his congratulatory letter to the new President, Mnangagwa, said he was convinced that the new helmsman would be an asset for the country.

The former President in the letter, which was made available through Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital said based on Mnangagwa’s experience, he will take Zimbabwe out of political and economic stagnation.

“As you assume the mantle of leadership of your great country, I have no doubt in my mind that you will execute the responsibilities of your office with the great political acumen that you are noted for.

“Your world-acclaimed experience in business and legal profession, I am convinced, will be an asset to be utilised effectively and efficiently to take Zimbabwe out of political and economic doldrums that have imposed a heavy toll on the Southern African nation of 16 million and thus bring about an accelerated development of Zimbabwe’s economy and global economy at large,” the statement read in part.

Obasanjo asked for the cooperation of other African countries with Zimbabwe by other African countries adding that Nigeria will also benefit from the new Zimbabwe leadership.

“At the moment, Zimbabwe needs the cooperation of the continent of Africa and cooperation of her friends outside the continent for the advancement of the economic fortunes of your great people and country. I am, therefore, of the strong conviction that the excellent relations between Nigeria and Zimbabwe will also benefit and blossom under your leadership.”