Attempts by the security services to suppress a photograph of Robert Mugabe proved in vain as memes spawned a life of their own online

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

A photo of Robert Mugabe falling down the stairs has spread like wildfire online after the 90-year-old Zimbabwe president took a tumble outside Harare airport, where he had been speaking to supporters.



Some of the press photographers who captured the scene said they were forced to delete their pictures by security personnel.

Mugabe is one of Africa’s so-called presidents for life, and during his 34-rule Zimbabwe has consistently ranked as one of the worst countries in the world for civil liberties. Human Rights Watch have accused the police of “outdated and abusive” law to control freedom of expression.

But any attempts to control the media’s attention to this particular incident were in vain: the pictures were picked up by news agencies worldwide and a cut-out image of Mugabe’s tumble was soon turned into memes and shared on social media using the hashtag #MugabeFalls.

Here are some of our favourites being posted and shared on Twitter. If you’ve spotted others you like, or felt inspired to make your own please post a Twitter, Instagram or Facebook link in the comments and we’ll add the best to this article. Or share them with us on Twitter @GuardianAfrica.

Image control

Some imagined Mugabe running away from the security forces; others made jokes about the panic among his staff as he fell over.



Josephine (@JoLegancE) The Press doesnt that rule though! Lol "@skaheru: Why wait? #MugabeFalls pic.twitter.com/gf0UNOs4aG"

Maybe; Maybe Not (@m_oush) Hahaha great photo "@skaheru: #MugabeFalls - Mbu he just descended… pic.twitter.com/nLP01SovTg"

Match fit Mugabe

Some imagined Mugabe’s sporting prowess as he joined the midfield of a Liverpool vs Chelsea football match, surfed the barrel of a wave, hit cricket run and lined up against the world’s best sprinters.

Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) Gallery: Mugabe fall tickles funny bone on social media http://t.co/d82MUN9LJR pic.twitter.com/TrPANg7Enl

Todd Moss (@toddjmoss) Insidious Western media falsely reporting #Mugabe fell down. Luckily, I have original pic showing just the opposite! pic.twitter.com/DSCS1hnFii

Michael Kirkpatrick (@OtimMichael) My favorite #MugabeFalls images. Thank you Uncle Bob. You even made @RealGrumpyCat smile. pic.twitter.com/2kcMS3v3T5

Kenneth Muhumuza (@concmukiga) "@brian_chano: My best #MugabeFalls so far. Zero chills 😂 pic.twitter.com/lFiENzOzIJ"<<<<umpire says,NOT OUT

Mugabe the mover

Others, presumably impressed by his style, portrayed him as a key mover and shaker. One imaged placed him at the centre of a house party, another questioned how his moves would go down on American contest Dancing with the Stars and someone showed us what Beyonce’s Single Ladies video had been missing all along.

♠Alpha♠Lefuphana♠ (@This_Is_Alpha) lmao!! "@_MrG23: 'Nywe nywe #MugabeFalls'? for what? The madala was dancing pic.twitter.com/gP2Km7PskV"





Sir Kgauza (@De_Imperial) Beyoncé is Mugabe...in drag!!! Sit down haters or put a ring on it. pic.twitter.com/tnZJ8dwJ2e

Michael Kirkpatrick (@OtimMichael) Mugabe impresses the judges on 'Dancing With The Stars' with his funky moves. • @DancingABC #DWTS #MugabeFalls pic.twitter.com/4mBzIjBNBC

#Mugabefalls – the holiday destination



There was also a play on the hashtag with people renaming Victoria Falls, which sits on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, in honour of the president, opened by the president surfing down it of course.

griffin (@watkykjy) Winning. “@HealeyCartoons: This summer I shall be vacationing at.... wait for it.... Mugabe Falls! #MugabeFalls pic.twitter.com/GjsRFSklUq”

Miscellaneous memes

Dean Oelschig (@DeanOelsch) The #MugabeFalls memes are day making. pic.twitter.com/iRSH1sDBw5