September 06, 2019, 02:41 PM
Robert Mugabe, former leader of Zimbabwe, has died.
He was 95.
According to Reuters, who cited a source with "direct knowledge of the matter", Mugabe died in Singapore.
He had often visited Singapore for medical treatment, usually at Gleneagles Hospital.
He also visited in 2013 to attend the graduation ceremony of his daughter, Bona.
From rebel to head of state
Mugabe had ruled the African nation since 1980.
Previously, the country was known as Rhodesia.
Mugabe was a member of the guerrilla resistance that fought against white-minority rule.
He was captured and imprisoned, but managed to establish the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and took part in peace talks.
After 1980, he led its political party, the ZANU-Political Front (ZANU-PF), with Zimbabwe experiencing economic growth and stability.
Economic and political troubles
In 2000, Mugabe encouraged the violent seizure of white-owned industrial farms in the country in favour of his political cronies.
Zimbabwe suffered racial and economic problems, including hyper-inflation of its currency.
In 2008, he was accused of using violence after apparently suffering defeat in that year's elections.
His opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, pulled himself out of the running after 200 people died, allowing Mugabe to continue as the country's leader.
Fall from the top
In 2014, Mugabe's second wife Grace entered politics, but drew ire from the population for her extravagant and lavish lifestyle.
In November 2017, after attempting to groom Grace as his successor, the country's military and his own ZANU-PF turned against him.
Mugabe was removed from power.
Zimbabwe's current President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, announced Mugabe's death on his Twitter account on Sep. 6, calling him an "icon of liberation."
It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe (1/2)
— 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 (2/2)
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) September 6, 2019
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Top image from Getty by Roslan Rahman.
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