Robert Mugabe was an icon of liberation — Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa

Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe is dead.

Mugabe died aged 95 at a hospital in Singapore where he had been receiving treatment.

On social media, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the deceased as an icon of liberation who contributed greatly to the history of the country.

“It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President Robert Mugabe.

“Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a Pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people,” said Mnangagwa.

Adding: “His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Mugabe first became prime minister of Zimbabwe in 1980, serving in that role until 1987, when the government amended the constitution and he was declared president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

It gave him the power to dissolve parliament, declare martial law and run for as many terms as he wanted.

But he was ousted from power in November 2017 in a coup d'état after the military put him under house arrest amid fears he would put his wife Grace in power.