Mugabe marks 93rd birthday

ZIMBABWEAN president Robert Mugabe has celebrated his 93rd birthday surrounded by thousands of supporters in a defiant show of strength after nearly four decades in power.

Wearing dark glasses and a multi-coloured jacket bearing an image of himself in younger days, Mugabe hosted a birthday celebration in Matabeleland attended by government supporters and delegates from ruling parties in Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zambia.

In a speech, Mugabe described his life as a “long, long journey” saying it was difficult to predict how long it would last.

“The decision that you continue to live and to enjoy life is that of the one personality we all call the almighty God,” he said.

His hands gripping the podium, he said that at times he felt alone, but added he has a “mission” and “mandate” as the leader of Zimbabwe.