Robert Mugabe, former prime minister and president of Zimbabwe whose rule was mired in accusations of human rights abuses and corruption, has died aged 95.
His near 40-year leadership of the former British colony was marked with bloodshed, persecution of political opponents and vote-rigging on a large scale.
Current president Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed the death, calling Mr Mugabe a "pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people".
Tributes to the former president have been paid since the news of his passing broke, with the South African government calling him a "fearless pan-Africanist liberation fighter".
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South Africa’s leading party, the African National Congress, tweeted that it mourned the passing of “friend, statesman and revolutionary comrade Robert Mugabe”.
Zambian president Edgar Lungu similarly remembered Mr Mugabe as a hero, tweeting: “I am saddened at the passing of a Pan-Africanist and Zimbabwe’s founding father, Cde Robert #Mugabe.
"He will be remembered for his fight for Africa’s liberation and fearlessly defending the continent. His place in the annals of Africa’s history is assured. We mourn with Zimbabwe.”
Mugabe retained a strong grip on power, through controversial elections, until he was forced to resign in November 2017, at age 93.
A letter from Mr Mugabe read out in Zimbabwe's parliament said: "My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power."
Cars began honking horns and people cheered in the streets of Harare as the news spread.
Mr Mugabe, who had been the world's oldest head of state at 93, was replaced by Mr Mnangagwa, who had recently been fired as Mr Mugabe's vice-president.
Zimbabwean politician and president of the Movement for Democratic Change Nelson Chamisa said his party recognises Mr Mugabe's "contribution made during his lifetime as a nation's founding President".
Pastor Evan Mawarire has said on Twitter: "In 2016 Mugabe threatened to have me killed.
"My response - “There are many things you have the power to do to us Mr President, but there are 2 things you have no power to stop. You cannot stop your sun from setting & you cannot stop mine from rising”.
"Your sun has set Robert. Goodbye."
The US embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, tweeted: “The United States extends its condolences to the Mugabe family and the people of Zimbabwe as they mourn the passing of former President Robert Mugabe.
"We join the world in reflecting on his legacy in securing Zimbabwe’s independence.”
A statement released by the South African government said: "We send condolences to the Government and the people of the Zimbabwe following the passing on of their founding leader and former President Robert Mugabe.
"The fearless pan-Africanist liberation fighter died in a hospital in Singapore."
Mr Mugabe's near 40-year leadership of the former British colony was marked with bloodshed, persecution of political opponents and vote-rigging on a large scale.
Born in then-Rhodesia, Mr Mugabe co-founded the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in 1963, a resistance movement against British colonial rule.
He became prime minister in 1980 of the new Republic of Zimbabwe and assumed the role of president seven years later.
In 2000 he led a campaign to evict white farmers from their land, which was given to black Zimbabweans, and led to famine.
Robert Mugabe has died aged 95 (AFP)
Former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has died aged 95, current president Emmerson Mnangagwa said this morning.
He wrote on Twitter: “It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe.
“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.”
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