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Dictator and former president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe has died in a Singapore hospital aged 95.

Zimbabwe’s first president had been battling ill health and passed away early Friday morning, according to multiple sources in the Africa country.

Mugabe was removed from office in a military coup in November 2017 after spending over 30 years in power.

Allies and supporters of the controversial tyrant have taken to social media to express their condolences.

MDC Zimbabwe secretary for education Fadzayi Mahere tweeted: "Rest In Peace, Robert Mugabe.

"My response to your passing is complicated. I’m going to write a long piece.

"However, for now, deepest condolences to his family."

Current president Emmerson Mnangagwa added in a statement: "It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe.

(Image: Getty)

"Cde Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten.

"May his soul rest in eternal peace."

The former president was a divisive figure in Zimbabwe and was accused of vote-rigging, intimidation and embezzlement.



He was also blamed for the slaughter of thousands in the 1980s as part of a crackdown on rebel groups.

Despite the accusations, Mugabe was given a full state visit to the UK in May 1994 that included a trip to Buckingham Palace.

He was also knighted during the four-day visit which had been organised in a bid to improve relations between the two countries.

However, in 2008 Mugabe was stripped of the honour when more evidence emerged related to the killing of his opponents.

Mugabe orchestrated the forced takeover of white-owned farms, causing serious problems for the Zimbabwe economy.

His wife Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe became known as "Gucci Grace" due to her lavish lifestyle and frequent shopping trips.

After being removed from power in 2017, Mugabe was controversially granted immunity from prosecution in a move that riled his opponents.

Mugabe was promised he would be protected in his home country as part of a deal to ensure he stayed out of office.

Emmerson “The Crocodile” Mnangagwa, the former vice president sacked by Mugabe earlier that month, then assumed power.