World’s oldest leader Mugabe triumphant ahead of birthday bash

The world’s oldest leader, Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, turns 91 on Saturday with much to celebrate – even as critics condemn as “obscene” his lavish birthday party plans in a country he is accused of plunging into poverty. Mugabe, one of the Africa’s most divisive figures, is the only leader Zimbabwe has known since independence from Britain in 1980. Leaders from his generation like South Africa’s Nelson Mandela have died while others like Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda retired long ago, but Mugabe plans to run in the 2018 election, his last under a new constitution, when he will be 94.

I’m very happy to be that age. I am happy that God has looked after me.

Robert Mugabe, president of Zimbabwe, speaking at a meeting of the Southern African Development Community in Pretoria

A senior Mugabe aide said the President was spending the day at home with his family and would hold huge celebrations in the resort town of Victoria Falls on Feb. 28. Last December Mugabe fired his deputy of 10 years, changed the ruling party constitution to concentrate more power in his hands and promoted his wife Grace into the top rungs of the ZANU-PF decision-making politburo. The European Union (EU) on Friday renewed an arms ban on Zimbabwe as well as travel and asset freezes on Mugabe and his wife, although the bloc has gradually eased sanctions to encourage reforms.

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