World leaders mourned former President Robert Gabriel
Mugabe who died in Singapore yesterday morning, describing him as a true
pan-Africanist and liberation fighter.
He was 95.
Cde Mugabe attended the formation of the then Organisation
of African Unity in 1963, now African Union (AU) as an invitee.
AU chairperson Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who is also the
President of Egypt, said: ‘‘It is with immense sadness that I learnt of the
passing of Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe. My sincere condolences to
his family and the Zimbabwean people as we mourn an iconic liberation fighter,
pan-Africanist in the struggle for liberation and continental integration.’’
China, through its foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng
Shuang, said Cde Mugabe was an outstanding liberation movement leader and
statesman who defended his country’s independence, opposed foreign interference
and promoted good cooperation with China.
China is Zimbabwe’s all-weather friend.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing and express sincere
sympathies to the Zimbabwean people, Government and to Mr Mugabe’s family,” he
said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa mourned the
passing on of Cde Mugabe and said he inspired South Africa’s struggle against
apartheid and instilled hope that one day South Africa too would be free.
“South Africans join the people and Government of Zimbabwe
in mourning the passing of a liberation fighter and champion of Africa’s cause
against colonialism.
“Under President Mugabe’s leadership, Zimbabwe’s sustained
and valiant struggle against colonialism inspired our own struggle against
apartheid and built in us the hope that one day South Africa too would be
free,’’ he said.
“During the decades of our own struggle, Zimbabwe’s
liberation movement supported our own liberation movement to fight oppression
on multiple fronts.
“After Zimbabwe achieved independence, the apartheid state
brutalised and violated Zimbabwe as punishment for supporting our own struggle,’’
he added.
Namibian President Hage Geingob, who is the immediate past
SADC Chair, weighed in and said Namibians owed Cde Mugabe a debt of gratitude.
“As Namibians, we owe President Mugabe a deep sense of
gratitude for his immense and selfless contribution to the liberation of our
country …The loss of the people of
Zimbabwe
Meanwhile, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta declared three days of mourning the death of
former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (95) and ordered flags in that country
to be flown at half-mast beginning today up to Monday.
In a statement, President Kenyatta said the honour was a
sign of respect for a “shining beacon” of Africa’s liberation struggle and an
African hero.
“In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and prayers go out
to his family, his relatives and the people of Zimbabwe who, for many years, he
served with commitment and dedication.
“Words cannot convey the magnitude of the loss as former
President Mugabe was an elder statesman, a freedom fighter and a Pan-Africanist
who played a major role in shaping the interests of the continent … a man of
courage who was never afraid to fight for what he believed in even when it was
not popular’’President Kenyatta said
“As a mark of respect for the memory of this African hero and
friend of our country, by the authority vested in me as President of the
Republic of Kenya, I hereby order and direct that the flag of the Republic of
Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at the State House and upon all public
buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all
naval vessels of the Republic of Kenya and throughout the Republic of, ’’ he
said
“Yesterday, the 6th of September, 2019, Kenya has lost a
close friend following the passing of H.E. Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe. I
take this opportunity on my own behalf that of my family and the people of the
Republic of Kenya to offer my deepest heartfelt condolences to Mrs Grace
Mugabe, the entire family and the people of the great Republic of
Zimbabwe,’’President Kenyatta said
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson,spokesperson also sent
a condolence message,adding that; “His resignation in 2017 marked a turning
point and we hope that today marks another which allows Zimbabwe to move on
from the legacy of its past and become a democratic, prosperous nation that
respects the human rights of its citizens.”
Tanzanian President John Magufuli said :“Africa has lost one of its bravest and Pan-Africanist
leaders, who led by example in opposing colonialism.”
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement said the
late Mugabe will be remembered for the sacrifice he made for the struggle of
political and economic emancipation of his people
“The President commiserates with family members, friends
and political associates of the political activist who fought for the
independence of the country from colonial rule, and lived most of his life in
public service.’’
“President Buhari believes Mugabe’s sacrifices, especially
in struggling for the political and economic emancipation of his people, will
always be remembered by posterity,’’reads the statement
Ugandan president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said the continent
had lost a great son of Africa
‘‘I learnt this morning about the passing of an African
liberation icon & great Pan-Africanist, His Excellency Robert Mugabe. I
join President Mnangagwa the people of Zimbabwe and the entire African
continent in mourning the demise of this great son of Africa. May his soul rest
in peace,’’he said.
China through its foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang
said Mugabe was an outstanding liberation movement leader and statesm a for
Zimbabwe who had defended his country’s independence, opposed foreign
interference and promoted good cooperation with China.
Former Mozambique President Samora Machel widow Graca
Machel said Mugabe was a brother to her
“He was like a brother to me, I knew him very well. When
Samora was killed, I came running and I stayed in this country, he gave me and
my children some shelter to stay.
“I also came here to mourn Sally Mugabe with him, he is my
brother.”she said. Herald
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