What they said

● “An icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people.” – Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwean president

● “A liberation fighter and champion of Africa’s cause against colonialism.” – Cyril Ramaphosa, South African president

● “There’s so much to say for a life of 95 years and national leadership spanning over 37 years … In the true spirit of ubuntu, we would like to give this moment to mourning, but there will be time for greater reflection.”

– Nelson Chamisa, leader of Zimbabwean opposition party the MDC

● “We must not allow our enemies to tell us how to remember him; we know our heroes.” – Julius Malema, leader of the EFF

● “As Namibians, we owe president Mugabe a deep sense of gratitude for his immense and selfless contributions to the liberation of our country … The loss of the people of Zimbabwe is Africa’s loss.” – Hage Geingob, Namibian president

● “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.” – Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenyan president

●“Africa has lost one of its bravest and pan-Africanist leaders, who led by example in opposing colonialism.” – John Magufuli, Tanzanian president

● “His place in the annals of Africa’s political history is well assured.”

— Edgar Lungu, president of Zambia (via a spokesperson)

● “Mugabe’s sacrifices, especially in struggling for the political and economic emancipation of his people, will always be remembered by posterity.” – Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian president

● “An outstanding national liberation movement leader and politician … Throughout his life, he has firmly defended the sovereignty of his country, opposed foreign interference, and actively promoted China-Zimbabwe and China-Africa friendship and co-operation.” — Geng Shuang, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson

● “Many important dates in Zimbabwe’s modern history are tied to the name of Robert Mugabe. He made a great personal contribution to the battle for your country’s independence, to the building of Zimbabwean state institutions.” — Vladimir Putin, Russian president

● “Mugabe leaves a mixed legacy.” — Zimbabwean academic and independent analyst Austin Chakaodza

● “He was a liberator of this country who became its destroyer in his later years. He put in place policies that made Zimbabwe a laughing stock of the world. If he had left in his heyday he would have died a great statesman.” — Ibbo Mandaza, head of political think-tank Southern African Political and Economic Series

● “He ushered in independence and brought a lot of hope, but destroyed everything he built.” — Charles Rukuni, political analyst