Robert Mugabe dead: Ex-President of Zimbabwe dies at the age of 95

According to the BBC, he died following a long period of ill health. Rumours had begun to emerge of his ill health following a stay in a hospital in Singapore earlier this year. Mugabe became the country’s first Prime Minister in 1980.

He then became the President of the country following that, a role he held for 30 years before he resigned in 2017. following a military coup.

Mugabe was proceeded by Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had been sacked by the former President before the coup.

Following the news of Mugabe’s death, Mr Mnangagwa led the tributes to the country’s first Prime minister.

He said: “It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Robert Mugabe.”

Details of his illness are not yet known. although the country’s Education Secretary, Fadzayi Mahere tweeted to release a statement of the news.

Mr Mahere said: “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.”

Mugabe began his political career as leading light in the quest for the country’s independence.

As a revolutionary fighter, he was jailed a political prisoner after fighting white-minority rule.

More to follow…