The world’s oldest leader, Zimbabwean President Robert
Mugabe turned 92 on Sunday, with no plans to step down as feuding over his
successors threatens to tear his ruling ZANU-PF apart.
The veteran leader will mark the day with a public
celebration.
Last year’s party was a massive feast with several elephants
slaughtered and seven gigantic birthday cakes, one weighing 91 kilogrammes.
On Sunday, state media lauded Mugabe for his leadership since
independence from Britain in 1980, while the opposition urged him to consider
stepping down.
In its 16-page special birthday supplement, the Sunday Mail
described Mugabe as a “doyen of Pan-Africanism”.
“Thank You Bob, We now have a voice, since 1980,” said the
paper on its front cover.
“Long live comrade Mugabe” read another message, adding: “We
pride ourselves in your visionary, bold, insightful and fearless leadership.”
But the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC), said Mugabe should think about whether his country, which is in
the grips of an economic crisis, would not be better saved by his bowing
out.
“Robert Mugabe should take time to reflect and say, isn’t it
time for me to pass on the baton,” MDC spokesman Obert Gutu told AFP.
Mugabe once quipped that he would rule until he turns 100.
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