Zimbabwe’s first president had been battling ill health and passed away early Friday morning, according to multiple sources in the African country.
Mugabe was removed from office in a military coup in November 2017 after spending over 30 years in power.
Allies and supporters of the controversial tyrant have taken to social media to express their condolences.
Current president Emmerson Mnangagwa said in a statement, “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.”
The former president was a divisive figure in Zimbabwe and was accused of vote-rigging, intimidation and embezzlement
He was also blamed for the slaughter of thousands in the 1980s as part of a crackdown on rebel groups.
Mugabe orchestrated the forced takeover of white-owned farms that causing serious problems for the Zimbabwe economy.
His wife Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe became known as “Gucci Grace” due to her lavish lifestyle and frequent shopping trips.
