HARARE: Robert Mugabe, Africa’s oldest leader and Zimbabwe’s ruler since independence, turns 90 today, but high-profile celebrations risk being overshadowed by rumours of ill health and a raging succession battle.
While Mugabe’s aides insist he is fighting fit, another medical trip to Singapore this week — ostensibly for eye surgery — has rekindled suspicions. He is not expected back in Zimbabwe until shortly before an elaborate stadium birthday celebration on Sunday that is said to be costing around $1m.
The man who took power in 1980 has long been rumoured to be seriously ill. He has travelled to Singapore for medical checks several times in the past five years.
A leaked 2008 US diplomatic cable cited then central bank governor Gideon Gono as saying Mugabe had prostate cancer, a claim denied by officials. AFP
