Breaking News Robert Mugabe’s long career in pictures November 21, 2017 by Staff Reporter There he met Sally Hafron whom he married in 1961. She was actually more political than him before he was recruited by black nationalists. He was later imprisoned by the Rhodesian government, but was not allowed to attend the funeral of his son. IAfter his release from jail in 1974, he came to prominence as one of the leaders of a guerrilla war against white-minority rule, along with Joshua Nkomo (left) hey agreed to disarm at peace talks hosted by the British. They formed the patriotic front – and to the surprise of Western observers won elections held in February 1980 by a landslide Mugabe had arrived in the country only six weeks before the election, after spending 10 years in exile. He became prime minister, forming an inclusive government During his first years in office, he was feted by leaders across the world, including Cuba’s Fidel Castro, who visited the country in 1986 He also had a close relationship with UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher – and initially pursued a policy of reconciliation with his white former enemies, letting them keep their economic wealth He married his typist Grace Marufu, with whom he already had two children, in 1996 a few years after his first wife died. The 1990s also saw the country’s intervention in the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which proved costly to the economy When Tony Blair’s UK government pulled out of talks to fund a controversial land reforms in 1997 and after Mr Mugabe lost a referendum on a new constitution three years later, pro-Mugabe militias began to invade white-owned farms It was around this time that Mr Mugabe abandoned his Savile Row and safari suits in favour of brightly coloured attire emblazoned with his face when he was on the campaign trail Image copyrightAFPImage captionIt became a cult of personality, and big celebrations were organised by the ruling Zanu-PF party each year to mark his birthday… These included extravagant cakes. This one reflects how many Africans regarded him as a hero, admiring his stand against white farmers However, his popularity, especially in urban areas, steadily declined at home – and he lost for the first round of the presidential election in 2008, winning the run-off after the opposition MDC withdrew, citing violence Sanctions imposed by the US and EU prompted Mr Mugabe’s “Look East” policy, turning to China for investment. He used to travel to Asia for medical treatment – his daughter Bona (C) studied in Hong Kong and Singapore His Zanu-PF party won elections in 2013, after four years of a power-sharing government, on a platform of indigenisation – a policy of ceding economic control to black Zimbabweans. Crippling cash shortages led to protests in 2016 Image captionHowever, the security forces always stood by Mr Mugabe – until his wife’s ambition for power proved too much for them to stomach and they launched a takeover on 15 November 2017 Image copyrightAFPImage captionThey were anxious that it not look like a coup, and Mr Mugabe carried on with some of his duties – though his age showed as he appeared to doze during a graduation ceremony Image copyrightREUTERSImage captionBut after a mass demonstration and amid impeachment proceedings, the 93-year-old leader bowed to pressure. He resigned after 37 years in power – prompting wild celebrations. Facebook X Whatsapp Linkedin Telegram RELATED TOPICS: AfricaPresident Robert Mugabezimbabwe Related Posts March 28, 2024 Zimbabwe’s ZANU PF Considers Parliamentary Election of President, Mirroring South African System March 28, 2024 Zimbabwean Sentenced for Poaching Endangered Black Rhino March 27, 2024 Zimbabwe’s Inflation Rate Hits Seven-Month High, Climbing to 55.3% March 27, 2024 Political Violence Erupts in Zimbabwe: CCC Members Arrested for Assault on Deputy Mayor March 27, 2024 Teacher in Zimbabwe Found Guilty of Examination Fraud March 27, 2024 Kenya’s President to Inaugurate Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in a Showcase of Innovation March 26, 2024 High-Profile Couple Wicknell Chivayo and Sonja Madzikanda Announce Divorce March 26, 2024 Sanctions Debate on Zimbabwe Rages in House of Lords Amid Calls for Tougher Measures
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