Watch: After Four Decades in Power, Mugabe Vacates Zim’s Hot Seat

Watch the different shades of Robert Mugabe, the leader who ruled Zimbabwe for a period of 37 years.

Ninety-three-year-old Robert Mugabe is the only leader to rule Zimbabwe (formerly known as Rhodesia) since independence from Britain. 

Photo : AP

When he came to power, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe was feted as an African liberation hero in a nation that had endured nearly a century of white colonial rule.

After immense pressure, he resigned as Zimbabwe’s President on 21 November. Ousted Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa will take over as leader of Zimbabwe in 48 hours.

Mugabe’s resignation came after continued demands from Mnangagwa, his former party the ZANU-PF, the Opposition, the citizens of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe War Vets’ Association, for him to step down.

Also Read: Zimbabwe Coup: President Mugabe Deposed, Army Seizes Power

Educated and urbane, Robert Mugabe took power after seven years of a liberation bush war.

Also Read: Robert Mugabe: Zimbabwe’s Liberator and, for Many, Its Oppressor

But nearly four decades after independence in 1980, many see him as power-obsessed and willing to unleash death squads, rig elections and trash the economy in the relentless pursuit of control.

Video Editor : Ashutosh Bhardwaj