World leaders have reacted to the death of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, remembering him as a “liberation hero” while acknowledging his single-minded style of governance.
Mr Mugabe, who was the oldest head of state before he was toppled in 2017, died aged 95 on Friday in a Singapore hospital, his family said.
A cause of death was not disclosed.
His near 40-year leadership of the former British colony was marked with bloodshed, persecution of political opponents and wide-scale vote-rigging.
‘Empowerment’
Many African leaders reflected on his contribution in steering the country – then-known as Rhodesia – from the clutches of colonial rule to independence in April 1980.
Mr Mugabe’s successor Emmerson Mnangagwa led the condolences, describing him as an “icon of liberation who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people”.
He added: “[Mr Mugabe’s] contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten.”
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said: “We will remember former President Mugabe as a man of courage who was never afraid to fight for what he believed in even when it was not popular.”
‘A towering leader’
Cyril Ramphosa, the recently-elected president of South Africa, described Mr Mugabe as an “outstanding leader on the African continent”.
He told reporters: “We remember him as a towering leader of a struggle for independence of the people of Zimbabwe.
“He contributed to the freedom of the people of South Africa.
“Once they attained their own independence, they established a free and independent Zimbabwe to be one of the frontline states where we, as the African Nation of Congress (ANC), were able to find refuge and they supported our struggle.
Russian relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Mr Mugabe’s “great personal contribution” to Zimbabwe’s independence.
He also said Mr Mugabe as a proponent of “friendly relations” with the country.
Mr Putin said in a statement: “Many important dates in Zimbabwe’s modern history are tied to the name of Robert Mugabe.
“He made a great personal contribution to the battle for your country’s independence, to the building of Zimbabwean state institutions.”
‘Legacy’
Geng Shuang, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson said: “Mugabe was an outstanding national liberation movement leader and politician of Zimbabwe.
“Throughout his life, he has firmly defended the sovereignty of his country, opposed foreign interference, and actively promoted China-Zimbabwe and China-Africa friendship and cooperation.”
While US President Donald Trump is yet to comment directly on Mr Mugabe’s death, the US Embassy in Harare paid tribute in a statement on social media.
It said: “The United States extends its condolences to the Mugabe family and the people of Zimbabwe.
“We join the world in reflecting on his legacy in securing Zimbabwe’s independence.”
