Robert Mugabe Dies

(Patria) – Robert Mugabe, a former hero of the African independence struggle whose long rule devolved into tyranny and corruption, has died at the age of 95, agencies report.

In a statement on his death, current President Emmerson Mnangagwa called Mugabe a 'symbol of liberation' and a 'pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people'.

Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for almost four decades before being overthrown when the army took power in late 2017.

Although an undeniably significant figure in African history, his final years in power were characterised by violence, intimidation, and an internal power struggle involving his wife, Grace, 40 years his junior, against Mugabe's right-hand man at the time – Mnangagwa.

The internal conflicts were only resolved after Mnangagwa took power, when Mugabe was forced to resign following a military coup, to the general delight of the population.

The ruling African National Congress party in neighbouring South Africa described Mugabe as a 'friend, statesman, and revolutionary comrade'. The statement also said that despite occasional 'fierce disagreements' with Mugabe, he would be remembered as a 'great advocate of African unity and independence whose struggle was an inspiration to many', writes The Guardian.