THE FORMER president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe has died aged 95.
The controversial figure rose to prominence as an activist fighting against British colonial and white minority rule, and he was imprisoned for ten years for his anti-government actions.
Upon his release in 1974, Mr Mugabe rose in the ranks of politics. In 1980 he was awarded the role of prime minister of the newly formed Republic of Zimbabwe, followed by the presidency in 1987.
Formerly highly respected for his activism and fight against institutionalised racism, once Mugabe came into power his policies drew strict criticism for human rights violations.
His attempt to redistribute land from white people to black people ended with Mr Mugabe declaring that Zimbabweans should violently seize back the land, including white-owned farms, and this rash decision led to famine and the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy.
Despite the controversies, Mr Mugabe remained in power for 30 years until he was finally forced to resign in 2017 at the age of 93.
Since his removal from office two years ago, reports have regularly emerged of the former President’s declining health, and officials were forced to continuously deny rumours that Mr Mugabe was suffering from prostate cancer.
Today, 6 September 2019, the second-ever president of Zimbabwe died in hospital in Singapore.
He is now being honoured by officials, including the current Zimbabwean president Ed Mnangagwa. He said:
“It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe.
Cde Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace (2/2)
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) September 6, 2019
Cde Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
See More: Death, Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe
