One of Africa’s longest-serving heads of state turns 93 today — but is showing no signs of slowing down.
In an interview to state media to celebrate the occasion, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe confirmed that he intends to run for president in the 2018 general election, Reuters reported.
“They want me to stand for elections, they want me to stand for elections everywhere in the party … The majority of the people feel that there is no replacement, successor who to them is acceptable, as acceptable as I am,” he told the state broadcaster ZBC-TV, according to Reuters.
“The people, you know, would want to judge everyone else on the basis of President Mugabe as the criteria.”
Positive words for Trump
In the interview with state television broadcaster ZBC-TV, he also praised US President Donald Trump. The nonagenarian said he agrees with Trump’s position on American nationalism and encouraged people to “give him time.”
“Well, America for America, America for Americans — on that we agree,” Mugabe said, during the interview, adding “Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans.”
It is rare for Mugabe to speak highly of any US leader. Although he said he was “surprised” by President Trump’s election, he said he “did not like” Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton.
“I knew she could slap sanctions on us as a legacy,” Mugabe said.
Sanctions, such as travel restrictions, were imposed on Mugabe and some of his senior staff from the governing Zanu PF party in 2002. They were extended for another year by President Barack Obama before he left office in January.
Mugabe said he hopes President Trump will “relook (at) the sanctions on Zimbabwe.”
Retaining power
Mugabe is Africa’s oldest head of state, and his grip on power has faltered little since he first rose to power in 1980.
Earlier this month, Zimbabwe police arrested Evan Mawarire, the pastor who fled the country last year after leading protests against Mugabe’s government.
Mawarire’s #ThisFlag protest movement gained momentum among Zimbabweans on social media last year after he called on Mugabe’s government to address a failing economy and to respect human rights.
He has long suppressed opposition to his government, effectively running unopposed in at least two elections, but in 2008 signaled a power-sharing deal with political rival Morgan Tsvangirai in order to end months of unrest.
That agreement ended in 2013 after Tsvangirai alleged widespread fraud in that year’s election. Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party have run the country unopposed since then.
Mugabe has brought Zimbabwe to the brink of ruin during his almost-four decade tenure, with a campaign of land redistribution in 2000 and repeated bouts of hyperinflation, ruining the country’s agriculture industry and economy.
Lavish birthdays
Mugabe’s recent birthdays have been marked by outlandish celebrations, regardless of the economic hardships the country may be suffering.
In 2009 he celebrated his 85th birthday with a lavish all-day party despite the fact that the country was then gripped by economic and health crises.
At the time, Mugabe’s nephew Patrick Zhuwawo said about 100 beasts would be slaughtered for the birthday bash.
This year’s celebrations will be held in Matabeleland South province, and event organizers have appealed to local farmers to donate a total of 150 head of cattle for the celebrations, government-owned Herald newspaper reported.
“We have set a target to raise 150 cattle for the event,” the newspaper quoted Matobo North legislator Never Khanye as saying.
“We are appealing to well-wishers to do so willingly and not come again tomorrow and say we were forced (to appropriate the livestock).”