Former Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe has died after having been receiving treatment in a hospital in Singapore.
The former despot who was ousted in a military coup in 2017 after being in power for 37 years died at the age of 95. Mugabe who was praised for his works in the health and education sector in the country was later marked as a military despot after refusing to step down despite having lost to his political opponent, Emmerson Mnangagwa. 
Read also: Zimbabwe’s New President Mnangagwa Under Pressure After Naming Controversial Cabinet
Reacting to the news of his death, the now president of Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa expressed his “utmost sadness” as he called Mugabe “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
Throwback to my favourite Robert Mugabe Speech ….We are not Europeans… So Blair keep your England and I will keep my Zimbabwe…
An iconic speech ? ONE AFRICA ✊?
#RipMugabe pic.twitter.com/Ibxdndr4ne— Incomplete Astronaut Ⓜ ??? ✈#SayNoToXenophobia (@AimThaMachine_) September 6, 2019
#RIPMugabe “Keep your Britain and let me keep my Zimbabwe”
It was a bumpy ride but securing of land for your people will forever be remembered.
RIP RGM pic.twitter.com/7eHbdmbRnb
— CUBA??™ (@TakaTina1) September 6, 2019
Having dominated Zimbabwe’s politics for nearly four decades, Mugabe is a controversial figure.
He has been praised as a revolutionary hero of the African liberation struggle who helped to free Zimbabwe from British colonialism, imperialism, and white minority rule.#RIPMugabe
— Skillx Promotions & Media House (@SkillxMedia) September 6, 2019
Mugabe who served as the prime minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as president from 1987 to 2017 is greatly missed by Zimbabwe’s Education, Sport, Art and Culture Secretary, Fadzayi Mahere who tweeted upon hearing the news that: “Rest In Peace, Robert Mugabe. My response to your passing is complicated. I’m going to write a long piece. However, for now, deepest condolences to his family”.
Check out Mugabe’s key dates culled and edited from BBC below…
1924: He was born this year
1964: Became imprisoned by the Rhodesian government
1980: Won the post-independence elections
1996: Marries Grace Marufu his wife till date
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
2019: Dies in Singapore
Photo Credit: Getty
