Photos From Robert Mugabe’s Lavish $1m 92nd Birthday Celebration

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has celebrated his 92nd
birthday with a lavish $1million party complete with a 92kg cake as many of his
people struggle with drought and widespread food shortages, Dailymailuk
reports.

The world’s oldest leader hosted the extravagant televised
celebrations in the drought-stricken Masvingo province on Saturday, drawing
criticism from opponents who said the festivities were an affront to ordinary
Zimbabweans.

Thousands of party loyalists, foreign representatives and
members of the public watched as Mugabe released 92 balloons in the air and
they listened to poetry readings, songs and chants hailing him an African icon
and a visionary.

Several cakes were on display, including one in the shape of
Africa and a whopping 92kg replica of the party venue – the Great Zimbabwe
ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site that was built in the 13th Century as the
headquarters of the Munhumutapa empire.

Mugabe, who turned 92 on February 21, has ruled for 36 years
during an era marked by vote-rigging, mass emigration, accusations of
vote-rigging, mass emigration, accusations of human rights abuses and economic
decline. More photos below.