Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe from 1980 to 2017, has died aged 95, the country’s president announced Friday. First heralded as a liberator who rid the former British colony of Rhodesia of white minority rule, Mugabe was in power in Zimbabwe until he was finally ousted by his previously loyal military generals.
“It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President… Robert Mugabe,” Emmerson Mnangagwa said in a tweet. “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.”
Mugabe had been battling ill health, and his fall from office in November 2017, his stamina seeped away rapidly. He was hospitalised in Singapore for months for an undisclosed ailment, Mnangagwa had confirmed earlier this year. No further details were immediately available about the circumstances of his death, or where he died.
In this file photo taken on August 14, 2017, Zimbabwe ex-President Robert Mugabe (2L) inspects a guard of honour during official Heroes Day commemorations held at National Heroes Acre in Zimbabwe. – Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe with an iron fist from 1980 to 2017, has died aged 95, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced September 6, 2019. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP)
The Mugabe years are widely remembered for his crushing of political dissent, and economic policies. The former political prisoner turned leader got into power in the 1980 elections after a growing insurgency and economic sanctions forced the Rhodesian government to the negotiating table.
In-office, he initially won international plaudits for his declared policy of racial reconciliation and for extending improved education and health services to the black majority. But that faded as rapidly as he cracked down on opponents, including a campaign known as Gukurahundi that killed an estimated 20,000 dissidents.
In this file photo taken on August 22, 2013, Zimbabwean then President Robert Mugabe (R), accompanied by wife Grace, raises his fist as he greets the crowd at his inauguration ceremony in Harare at the National 60,000-seat sports stadium. – Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe with an iron fist from 1980 to 2017, has died aged 95, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced September 6, 2019. (Photo by ALEXANDER JOE / AFP)
In this file photo taken on November 08, 2017 Zimbabwe’s then President Robert Mugabe (L) addresses party members and supporters gathered at his party headquarters to show support to Grace Mugabe (R) becoming the party’s next Vice President after the dismissal of Emerson Mnangagwa November 8 2017. – Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe with an iron fist from 1980 to 2017, has died aged 95, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced September 6, 2019. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP)
In this file photo taken on December 13, 2007 Zimbabwe’s then President Robert Mugabe gestures at a ZANU-PF extraordinary congress in Harare. – Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe with an iron fist from 1980 to 2017, has died aged 95, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced September 6, 2019. (Photo by ALEXANDER JOE / AFP)
In this file photo taken on March 28, 2008 then President Robert Mugabe and leader of Zimbabwe’s ruling party ZANU-PF kicks a ball during a campaign rally in Harare. (Photo by ALEXANDER JOE / AFP)
In this file photo taken on June 30, 2008, Zimbabwean then President Robert Mugabe is hastily sworn in for a sixth term in office in Harare after being declared the winner of a one-man election. – Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe with an iron fist from 1980 to 2017, has died aged 95, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced September 6, 2019. (Photo by ALEXANDER JOE / AFP)
(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 01, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping (C-L) watches traditional dancers performing and holds hands with Zimbabwe’s then President Robert Mugabe(C-R) as he arrives for a visit in Harare. – Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe with an iron fist from 1980 to 2017, has died aged 95, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced September 6, 2019. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP)
In this file photo taken on November 21, 2017 shows Anti-Mugabe protesters hold placards during a gathering at Unity square in the capital Harare. – Robert Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe with an iron fist from 1980 to 2017, has died aged 95, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced September 6, 2019. (Photo by Tony KARUMBA / AFP)
The seizure of white-owned farms turned Mugabe into an international pariah – though his status as a liberation hero still resonates strongly in most of Africa.
Aimed largely at placating angry war veterans who threatened to destabilise his rule, the land reform policy wrecked the crucial agricultural sector, caused foreign investors to flee and helped plunge the country into economic misery.
All along, the Mugabe regime was widely accused of human rights violations and of rigging elections. The topic of his succession was virtually taboo during Mugabe’s decades-long rule, and a vicious struggle to take over after his death became clear among the ruling elite as he reached his 90s and became visibly frail.