Mugabe birthday bash riles critics in drought-hit Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe shares a joke with his vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa during Mugabe's birthday celebrations at Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo, February 27, 2016. REUTERS/Philimon BShow more

MASVINGO // Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe marked his 92nd birthday at a party costing nearly $1 million on Saturday, drawing criticism from opponents who said the celebrations in a drought-stricken area were an affront to ordinary citizens.

Mr Mugabe turned 92 on February 21 and shows no intention of stepping down, much to the frustration of feuding members of his ruling Zanu-PF party who have been trying to position themselves to succeed him.

Thousands of supporters gathered next to the Great Zimbabwe ruins to pay tribute to the country’s only leader since independence from Britain in 1980.

Mr Mugabe, accompanied by his wife Grace and their children, released 92 balloons and sat listening to poetry readings, songs and chants by supporters hailing him as an African icon and a visionary.

A giant cake made to look like the ancient ruins for which Zimbabwe is named was set out in a nearby marquee. School children, foreign diplomats, government ministers and security chiefs were also present.

Pupurai Togarepi, Zanu-PF’s youth leader said 50,000 people were expected to attend and defended spending $800,000 (Dh2.9 million) on the celebrations.

“Money is not the issue here. You cannot put a price on the contribution of president Mugabe to the history and development of this nation,” he said.

Mr Mugabe’s lavish birthday parties have become an annual pilgrimage for loyalists and those seeking favours from the leader, but this year’s celebration in Masvingo province proved particularly controversial.

Three-quarters of the staple maize crop in the province has been destroyed in Zimbabwe’s worst drought since 1992.

Three million people are facing hunger and Zimbabwe has appealed for nearly $1.6 billion to help pay for grain and other food.

* Reuters