Former Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe, who led the said country for 37 years, has died at the age of 95 after battling ill health.
This was confirmed by current Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his Twitter account, describing him as an “icon of liberation”.
He wrote: “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.”
The 95-year-old passed away in a hospital in Singapore where he is believed to be receiving treatment since April as his health deteriorated.
In November 2018, Mnangagwa told members of the ruling Zanu-PF party that Mugabe could no longer walk.
He ruled Zimbabwe from 1980 to 2017, until he was forced to resign from his position on November 2017 after being ousted from power by a military coup. This brought an end to his decades-long reign.
The controversial leader was accused of vote rigging, intimidation and trash the economy in the relentless pursuit of power.
Jubilant scenes erupted on the streets across the country, including the capital Harare, as Zimbabweans rejoiced his removal.
During his presidency, he led the country from independence into repression and economic collapse.
He had been accused of a range of human rights abuses, including denying food aid to areas supporting the opposition.
For years, Zimbabweans who saw their ageing leader nod off during events speculated how long he would stay in office, while his wife Grace vowed that he could rule from the grave.
