Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that his predecessor Robert Mugabe (95) has passed away. “It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former president, Comrade Robert Mugabe,” he shared on Twitter.
“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.”
The former Zimbabwean president was reported to have been ill for some time before his passing, and required extended medical treatment in Singapore, where he ultimately passed away.
Mugabe was prime minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987, and then served as president from 1987 to 2017. According to AFP, Mugabe made use of fear-mongering and repression to keep his hold of power on Zimbabwe for 37 years until his previously loyal military generals turned against him and overthrew him.
Picture: Twitter