Robert Mugabe

Also known as: former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe · ex-President Robert Mugabe · Former President Mugabe · comrade Robert Mugabe

Robert Mugabe — Zimbabwe's former president, referenced in land seizure context and Epstein files.

2018-03-162026-08-21

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

June 2026
21 JunThe Namibian
Robert Mugabe was ousted by Mnangagwa with military backing
Source
“Mnangagwa (83) took power in 2017 after ousting long-time ruler Robert Mugabe with the backing of the military – and went on to win disputed elections in 2018 and 2023.”
Zimbabwe MPs pass bill to extend president’s time in power
February 2026
20 FebThe Namibian
Robert Mugabe was father of Bellarmine Mugabe, detained after reported shooting
Source
“Bellarmine Mugabe is the youngest son of Robert and his second wife Grace Mugabe.”
Son of Robert Mugabe questioned in South Africa after reported shooting
11 FebThe Namibian
Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980
Source
“he had ruled the country since independence in 1980.”
Bid launched to extend Zimbabwe president's term in office
5 FebThe Namibian
Robert Mugabe may have had financial ties with Jeffrey Epstein
Source
“Zimbabwe's ex-President Robert Mugabe may have had financial ties with Jeffrey Epstein, according to the latest batch of files related to the convicted US sex offender.”
Zimbabwe's Mugabe latest former African leader to be mentioned in Epstein files
February 2025
28 FebThe Namibian
Robert Mugabe had a close relationship with Namibia's founding president Sam Nujoma
Source
“The former first lady of Zimbabwe, Grace Mugabe, on Thursday shared insights into the close relationship between her late husband, Zimbabwe's former president Robert Mugabe, and Namibia's founding president, Sam Nujoma.”
Grace Mugabe reflects on Robert and Nujoma’s close bond
August 2020
23 AugThe Namibian
Robert Mugabe was overthrown in 2017
Source
“Shona chants are derived from a demonstration by Zimbabweans in Windhoek when Robert Mugabe was overthrown in 2017.”
Mushaandja's Rubber Tree Hits Zurich
August 2018
10 AugThe Namibian
Zimbabwe's former president Robert Mugabe managed to steer the regional bloc in his preferred direction several times
Source
“Zimbabwe's former president Robert Mugabe managed to steer the regional bloc in his preferred direction several times.”
Who Has The Power In SADC?
July 2018
27 JulThe Namibian
Robert Mugabe ended 37 years in power
Source
“Coming soon after the 2017 military coup that ended Robert Mugabe's 37 years in power, these are the first elections since independence without his towering and domineering figure.”
A Vicious Online Propaganda War Is Being Waged Ahead Of Pivotal Zimbabwe Election
March 2018
16 MarThe Namibian
Robert Mugabe gave the people their land and economic freedom despite many problems
Source
“It is also argued that in Zimbabwe, Mugabe gave the people their land and economic freedom despite the many problems he brought to the country.”
Leaders Need To Study What Has Worked In Africa

World & Region

Zimbabwe president extends term, scraps direct elections via law

The News

Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa signed constitutional amendments extending his term by two years until 2030 and replacing direct presidential elections with parliamentary appointment. The changes, passed by parliament where Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF holds a majority and criticized by opposition as a "constitutional coup," also extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.

8 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 July

Zimbabwe president extends term, scraps direct elections via law
Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa signed constitutional amendments extending his term by two years until 2030 and replacing direct presidential elections with parliamentary appointment. The changes, passed by parliament where Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF holds a majority and criticized by opposition as a "constitutional coup," also extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.
8 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 21 June

Zimbabwe parliament passes bill extending presidential terms to seven years
Zimbabwe's lower house passed legislation extending presidential terms from five to seven years and scrapping direct presidential elections in favour of parliamentary selection, allowing president Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030. The bill, backed by 216 of 258 voting lawmakers, now moves to the senate and is expected to be enacted.
21 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 16 March

Zimbabwean white farmers pursue Trump lobby for land compensation
Zimbabwean white farmers whose land was seized during Robert Mugabe's rule are seeking help from Donald Trump's administration to recover $3.5 billion in unpaid compensation promised by President Mnangagwa, leveraging the US interest in Zimbabwe's rare-earth mineral deposits and the Trump administration's previous support for white farmers in South Africa. Some farmer groups have hired a Washington lobby firm with Trump administration ties to promote the compensation through US government support for debt relief and international financing, though the farming community remains divided on the strategy and some fear worsening relations between Washington and Harare.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 8 March

Namibia, Zimbabwe agree to strengthen ties on trade and education
Namibia and Zimbabwe have pledged to fast-track agreements on trade, investment, youth development, and cooperation in education, ICT, and agriculture, during a visit by Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare. The countries also discussed expanding education and youth exchange programmes, and reviving the Southern Times newspaper to promote SADC projects and African culture.
8 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 4 March

SME Bank liquidators auction Kamushinda properties for third time
Two Windhoek properties owned by former SME Bank shareholder Enock Kamushinda's companies are set for a third auction on 17 March as liquidators seek to recover N$140 million owed following a 2021 High Court settlement. Previous auctions failed when successful bidders did not complete payment.
4 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 22 February

Chatunga Mugabe faces attempted murder charges in South Africa
The 28-year-old youngest son of Zimbabwe's former ruler Robert Mugabe faces attempted murder charges in South Africa while out on bail in Zimbabwe on separate assault allegations. His arrest at a Johannesburg property follows a shooting incident, continuing a pattern of legal troubles for the Mugabe family in the region.
22 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 February

Robert Mugabe's youngest son detained in South Africa shooting
South African police detained Bellarmine Mugabe (28), the youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former president Robert Mugabe, after a reported shooting at a property in Johannesburg left a 23-year-old man in critical condition. Police found bullet cartridges at the Hyde Park house but no firearm, and are questioning two people in connection with the attempted murder.
20 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 11 February

Zimbabwe cabinet approves bill to extend president's term to 2030
Zimbabwe's cabinet has approved draft legislation allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to serve until at least 2030 by extending presidential terms from five years to two seven-year terms, with presidents chosen by parliament rather than direct vote. Constitutional experts warn a referendum is required for such changes and that amendments cannot benefit a sitting president, and legal challenges are expected.
11 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Zimbabwe cabinet approves bill extending president's term limits
Zimbabwe's cabinet has approved draft legislation that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until at least 2030 by extending term limits from five to seven years and allowing two consecutive terms instead of one. Constitutional experts argue a referendum is required and point out such changes cannot benefit a sitting president.
11 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 February

Mugabe mentioned in released Epstein files as possible wealth client
Zimbabwe's former President Robert Mugabe is named in recently released documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including an email suggesting Epstein could approach Mugabe about providing Zimbabwe with a new currency, and unverified FBI testimony claiming Epstein was Mugabe's wealth manager. Being named in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing, and experts have questioned the accuracy of some claims in the documents.
5 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 14 January

Young Uganda votes between 81-year-old incumbent and generational change
Uganda's presidential election Thursday pits President Yoweri Museveni, 81 and in power for four decades, against Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old opposition leader backed by youth demanding change. In a country with a median age of 17, the contest reflects a fundamental tension between an aging political establishment and a youthful population demanding inclusion and meaningful participation.
14 January 2026 · The Namibian →