Zimbabwe’s first President Robert Gabriel Mugabe has died at the age of 95, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said. Mugabe died in Singapore where he was receiving treatment.
“It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe,” Mnangagwa posted on Twitter early on Friday.
“His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
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
Monica Mutsvangwa, the minister of information, confirmed the death, saying: “Yes it is really saddening. Some of us were like his children to him. We can never write our history without mentioning him.”
Mr Mugabe, born 21 February 1924, was a communist and nationalist revolutionary.
Mugabe was forced out of power by a military coup in 2017.
Mugabe was committed to the liberation of the African people
Kenya’s former President Mwai Kibaki remembered Robert Mugabe as a leader who was committed to the liberation of the African people.
“In more ways than one, the death of Robert Mugabe marks the end of an era in Africa. It closes the chapter of Africa’s founding presidents whose commitment to the emancipation of the people of Africa remains enduringly remarkable,” a statement from his office read.
“In spite of the sentiments of those who serially vilified him, Mugabe will be best remembered for courageously defending the dignity of the African people. Embedded in his story are valuable lessons worth celebrating.”
Mugabe was a Pan Africanist
It is with immense sadness that I learnt of the passing of #Zimbabwe's former president Robert Mugabe. My sincere condolences to his family and the Zimbabwean people as we mourn an iconic liberation fighter + Pan-Africanist in the struggle for liberation +continental integration.
— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) September 6, 2019
President Kenyatta declared national morning beginning Saturday to Monday in honour of Mugabe who he described as a pan Africanist.
"On behalf of the Government and the People of Kenya and on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Government and the People of Zimbabwe following the death of former President Robert Mugabe." ~ H.E. Uhuru Kenyattahttps://t.co/yuooPwrxZI
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) September 6, 2019
“I hereby order and direct;- that the flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at the statehouse and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Republic of Kenya and throughout the Republic of Kenya from dawn on Saturday the 7th September 2019 until sunset, on Monday the 9th September, 2019,” an order dispatched on Friday read.
Deputy President William Ruto eulogized Mugabe as a revolutionary.
“Mugabe was a revolutionary freedom fighter and a liberation hero. He fought for the emancipation of his people and Zimbabwe’s independence with courage, resolve and dedication,” he said.
Mugabe was a Pan-Africanist, who championed the cause of the continent and advanced the ideals of self-determination, mutual respect, prosperity and peace. Rest In Peace.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 6, 2019
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, sent a close brief condolence message referring to Mugabe’s highhandedness.
“Mugabe was a liberation hero who like others, made mistakes during his reign,” Odinga tweeted.
Mugabe was a liberation hero who like others, made mistakes during his reign.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) September 6, 2019
