Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's first post-independence leader, has died aged 95
6-09-2019, 18:26

Font size: [ A+ ] / [ A- ]

 

Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's first post-independence leader, has died aged 95.

His family confirmed his death to the BBC. Mr Mugabe had been receiving treatment in a hospital in Singapore since April.

He was ousted in a military coup in 2017 after 37 years in power.

Mr Mugabe's early years were praised for broadening access to health and education for the black majority - but his later years were marked by rights abuses and corruption.

He won Zimbabwe's first election after it secured independence from the UK, becoming prime minister in 1980.

He abolished the office in 1987, becoming president instead.

His successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, expressed his "utmost sadness", calling Mr Mugabe "an icon of liberation".

Mr Mnangagwa had been Mr Mugabe's deputy before replacing him.

Who was Robert Mugabe?

Mr Mugabe was born on 21 February 1924 in what was then Rhodesia - a British colony, run by its white minority.

He was imprisoned for more than a decade without trial after criticising the government of Rhodesia in 1964.

n 1973, while still in prison, he was chosen as president of the Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu), of which he was a founding member.

Once released, he headed to Mozambique, from where he directed guerrilla raids into Rhodesia. But he was also seen as a skilled negotiator.

Political agreements to end the crisis resulted in the new independent Republic of Zimbabwe.

With his high profile in the independence movement, Mr Mugabe secured an overwhelming victory in the republic's first election.

But over his decades in power, international perceptions soured, with an increasing number of critics portraying Mr Mugabe as a kind of dictator.

In 2000, facing serious political opposition for the first time, he seized white-owned farms to resettle black farmers, causing economic disruption but boosting his popularity among supporters.

Around the same time, pro-Mugabe militias used violence to influence political outcomes. In 2008, when he lost the first round of the presidential election, attacks on the opposition resulted in his rival pulling out of the contest.

He famously declared that only god could remove him from office.

He was forced into sharing power in 2009 amid economic collapse, installing rival Morgan Tsvangirai as prime minister.

But in 2017, amid concerns that he was grooming his wife Grace as his successor, the army - his long-time ally - turned against the president and forced him to step down.

What has the reaction been?

Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi, of Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party, told the BBC the party was "very much saddened" by his death.

"As a government, we are very much with the family members of the Mugabe family," he said.

"He was a principled man: he could not change easily over his beliefs. He's a man who believed himself, he's a man who believed in what he did and he is a man who was very assertive in whatever he said.

"This was a good man."

Not everyone agreed, however.

Zimbabwean Senator David Coltart, who was once labelled "an enemy of the state" by Mr Mugabe, said his legacy was marred by his adherence to violence as a political tool.

"He was always committed to violence, going all the way back to the 1960s... he was no Martin Luther King," he told the BBC World Service. "He never changed in that regard."

But he acknowledged that there was another side to Robert Mugabe - "a man who indeed had a great passion for education - and I think he mellowed in his later years.

"There's a lot of affection towards him, because we must never forget that he was the person primarily responsible for ending oppressive white minority rule."

The government of neighbouring South Africa tweeted its condolences, labelling Mr Mugabe "a fearless pan-Africanist liberation fighter".

The BBC's Shingai Nyoka, in the capital Harare, said Mr Mugabe was likely to be remembered for his early achievements.

In his later years, people had called him all sorts of names, but now is probably the time when Zimbabweans will think back to his 37 years in power, she said.

There's a saying here - that whoever dies becomes a hero, and we're likely to see that now, our correspondent adds.


Robert Mugabe - key dates

1924: Born. Later trains as a teacher

1964: Imprisoned by Rhodesian government

1980: Wins post-independence elections

1996: Marries Grace Marufu

2000: Loses referendum - pro-Mugabe militias invade white-owned farms and attack opposition supporters

2008: Comes second in first round of elections to Tsvangirai, who pulls out of run-off following nationwide attacks on his supporters

2009: Amid economic collapse, swears in Tsvangirai as prime minister, who serves in uneasy government of national unity for four years

2017: Sacks long-time ally Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, paving the way for his wife Grace to succeed him

November 2017: Army intervenes and forces him to step down

 

BBC.COM

 

Comments: 45312
#45072   Julie
      
Helpful info. Lucky me I discovered your site unintentionally, and
I'm surprised why this twist of fate didn't came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.

My web blog - SOFTWARE TO CREATE BLACK LINKS FOR
GAMBLING! TELEGRAM – @SEOKAYA


Please let me know if you're looking for a article writer for your weblog.

You have some really good articles and I think I would be a good asset.

If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd really like to
write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back SOFTWARE TO CREATE BLACK LINKS FOR GAMBLING!
TELEGRAM – @SEOKASO
mine. Please shoot
me an email if interested. Kudos!

This article provides clear idea designed for the new visitors of blogging,
that genuinely how SOFTWARE TO CREATE BLACK LINKS FOR GAMBLING!

TELEGRAM – @SEOKASO
do running a blog.
20 October 2024 02:36
#45071   Oscar
      
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter
updates. I've been looking for a plug-in like this for
quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.

Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look
forward to your new updates.

Also visit my blog post :: man up gummies on amazon
20 October 2024 00:13
#45070   Declan
      
Hello, just wanted SOFTWARE TO CREATE BLACK LINKS FOR GAMBLING!
TELEGRAM – @SEOKAYA
tell you, I liked this article.
It was practical. Keep on posting!
20 October 2024 00:07
#45069   Isaac
      
Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how SOFTWARE TO CREATE BLACK LINKS FOR GAMBLING!
TELEGRAM – @SEOKASO
get listed in Yahoo
News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Appreciate it

Now I am ready SOFTWARE TO CREATE
BLACK LINKS FOR GAMBLING! TELEGRAM – @SEOKASO
do
my breakfast, when having my breakfast coming yet again to read more news.

I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this submit is written by way of him as no one
else know such targeted approximately my trouble. You are wonderful!

Thank you!

Feel free to visit my web page: SOFTWARE TO CREATE BLACK
LINKS FOR GAMBLING! TELEGRAM – @SEOKASO


Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it ;) I'm going SOFTWARE TO CREATE
BLACK LINKS FOR GAMBLING! TELEGRAM – @SEOKAYA
revisit yet again since I bookmarked it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
19 October 2024 23:34
#45068   Wilbert
      
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled
upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.



Look into my page ... online weed bestellen
19 October 2024 15:04
#45067   Hamish
      
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I'm impressed!
Very helpful information particularly the last part :) I care for such
info a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a
long time. Thank you and best of luck.

Also visit my page :: click here
19 October 2024 09:47
#45066   Mickey
      
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied
on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away
your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could
be giving us something informative to read?


Feel free to surf to my website :: click
here
19 October 2024 09:35
#45065   Isiah
      
After I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each
time a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment.

Is there a way you are able to remove me from that service?

Kudos!

My website; visit here
19 October 2024 09:17
#45064   Arnoldo
      
This website definitely has all of the information and facts I wanted about this subject and
didn't know who SOFTWARE TO CREATE BLACK LINKS FOR GAMBLING!
TELEGRAM – @SEOKAYA
ask.
19 October 2024 08:42
#45063   Olen
      
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I've really
loved browsing your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your feed and I'm hoping you write
once more very soon!

Also visit my web-site: roof repairs canberra act (Peter)
19 October 2024 08:24
#45062   Francesca
      
Hello, I enjoy reading all of your post. I wanted to
write a little comment to support you.

my webpage roof repairs Bentleigh; Meagan,
19 October 2024 07:38
#45061   Franchesca
      
When I initially commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and now each time
a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Bless you!

Feel free to surf to my web-site; หีเด็ก
19 October 2024 00:25
#45060   Jodi
      
Thanks SOFTWARE TO CREATE BLACK LINKS FOR GAMBLING!
TELEGRAM – @SEOKAYA
my father who
told me regarding this webpage, this weblog is really amazing.

I every time used to study post in news papers but now as I am a user of web therefore from now I am using net
for content, thanks SOFTWARE TO CREATE BLACK LINKS FOR GAMBLING!
TELEGRAM – @SEOKAYA
web.
18 October 2024 23:42
#45059   Hilario
      
Remarkable issues here. I'm very satisfied to look your post.

Thanks a lot and I am taking a look ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?


Look at my homepage ... zachary taylor fun facts
18 October 2024 16:09
#45058   Horace
      
Hey, you used to write wonderful, but the last few posts have been kinda boring...
I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts
are just a little bit out of track! come on!

My web-site zero turn mower on tracks - Sherlyn -
18 October 2024 13:00
#45057   Jami
      
It's perfect time to make some plans for the future and it's time
to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you
some interesting things or advice. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.

I wish to read more things about it!

Look at my blog post; คลิปโป๊ะเด็ก

I seriously love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme.
Did you build this site yourself? Please reply back as I'm
planning to create my own blog and would like to find out where you got this from or
just what the theme is named. Thank you!

Here is my blog คลิปโป๊ะเด็ก

First off I would like to say terrific blog! I had a quick question in which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your head before writing.
I have had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there.
I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
Cheers!

Also visit my web site ... หีเด็ก
18 October 2024 12:29
#45056   Eddie
      
"' การ ปรับเปลี่ยน ของ Evolution Gaming '"

การ ดัดแปลง และ เจริญก้าวหน้า เป็นเรื่องปกติในโลกของ เทคโนโลยีดิจิทัล
และธุรกิจ ซึ่ง 'Evolution Gaming'
เป็นหนึ่งในบริษัทที่สะท้อน
18 October 2024 08:01
#45055   Brock
      
Admiring the dedication you put into your site and in depth information you provide.
It's nice how to use Methamphetamine
how to use Heroin come across a blog every once in a while
that isn't the same outdated rehashed material.
Great read! I've bookmarked your site and I'm adding
your RSS feeds to my Google account.

I've been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this
sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website.
Reading this information So i am satisfied to convey that I've an incredibly good
uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed.
I so much for sure will make certain to don?t overlook this
website and provides it a glance on a relentless basis.



Feel free to visit my web site - หีเด็ก
18 October 2024 06:06
#45054   Susana
      
I visit day-to-day some websites and websites to read articles or reviews, but this webpage offers feature based posts.


Also visit my blog - Recreational Dispensary Near Me (https://numberfields.asu.edu/NumberFields/show_user.php?userid=4499727)
17 October 2024 19:29
#45053   Samara
      
web tasarım

We stumbled over here by a different website
and thought I might check things out. I like what
I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to checking out your web page for a second time.
16 October 2024 23:13
Add Comments

Name:*
E-Mail:
  Geo Keyboard  
 

Dear reader, guardian.ge welcomes your comments. Please express your views on topic and be respectful of others.

bold italic underline strike | align left centered align right | Ensert smilies insert linkInsert protected URL Choice the color | hidden text insert quote Convert selected text from transliteration to Cyrillic alphabet Insert spoiler

Code: *


Back1 ... 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 ... 2266Next