Mugabe advanced age and declining health exposed

By Farayi Machamire

President Robert Mugabe’s advanced age and declining health have once again been on public display at the third India-Africa Forum Summit taking place in New Delhi, India — raising fresh debate about whether the long-ruling nonagenarian should persist with his punishing working and jet-setting life.

On two occasions on the big stage in India this week, Mugabe has had to be assisted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as his aides after looking somewhat disoriented and nearly tumbling off the ramp at the mega summit.

The increasingly frail 91-year-old — who has lately been walking with the aid of his wife Grace, and who fell at Harare International Airport earlier this year — is using the summit to try and lure Indian investors to Zimbabwe, whose economy is dying due to what critics say are decades of misrule by his warring post-congress Zanu PF.

In a video captured by television channel New Delhi and which has gone viral on

social media, Mugabe is seen stumbling backwards dangerously as he attempts to climb onto a stage. And sensing his difficulty, two aides quickly move in to assist him.

In another television clip, the nonagenarian looks tired and confused as he shares the stage with Modi, who also moves quickly to assist and direct him to the right place, upon realising that Mugabe may not be fully aware of where he was supposed to go.

The Daily News has previously reported on the growing concerns around Mugabe’s health, with medical experts saying at 91, it was advisable that he took a rest from the rigours and stresses of high office.

Political analysts have also echoed the same sentiments, saying it appeared as if Zanu PF hardliners with “self-serving interests” were pushing the nonagenarian to remain in power.

Since the controversial ouster of former Vice President Joice Mujuru last year, Mugabe

appears to have ramped up his taxing and costly foreign sojourns, for which there have been no tangible benefits thus far for the troubled country.

To add to all this, Mugabe has also been caught up in controversy in India after he turned down an offer by his hosts to don Indian attire that had been prepared for him to wear during a reception hosted by Modi.

Authorities in New Delhi had felt that the best way to welcome the African delegates was to give them a taste of Indian traditions — which is what inspired the “Indian mela” (carnival) for summit, which brought together food, music and artefacts from around the country for the reception hosted by Modi.

India had requested in advance the measurements of the gathered African heads of State so that the traditional garments could be stitched for them in time.

And according to officials, the subsequent group photo opportunity of the leaders in the traditional gear was supposed to be one of the highlights of the summit — with the intention to help demonstrate the solidarity and partnership India has with Africa.

However, and apparently to the dismay of the Indian hosts, Mugabe flatly declined to wear the prepared traditional attire, insisting on wearing a “distinctly out of tune” grey suit. Daily News