Robert Mugabe
1924–2019 · Zimbabwean (Kutama / Harare) · African Independence, Post-Colonial Africa
Known for: Liberator turned dictator who fought for Zimbabwean independence then destroyed the country's economy
Mugabe led Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and served as leader for 37 years. He initially promoted reconciliation, education, and healthcare, but increasingly became authoritarian—seizing white-owned farms (crashing agriculture), rigging elections, and presiding over hyperinflation so extreme that Zimbabwe printed 100-trillion-dollar bills.
He was finally ousted by his own military in 2017 at age 93.
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