Zimbabwe marks Robert Mugabe's 92nd birthday with lavish party
The world's oldest leader celebrated his 92nd birthday with a series of lavish parties. Thousands of ZANU-PF loyalists, foreign dignitaries and members of the public joined in the celebration for the president.
Let them eat cake!
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is facing censure for a 92nd birthday bash on Saturday, which cost $800,000 (730,000 euros). Critics say the outlandish party was an affront to ordinary citizens as the impoverished country grapples with a severe drought and a struggling economy.
Multi-tiered cake with gold frosting
Saturday's party was a culmination of a week-long celebration for Mugabe, the world's oldest president, who turned 92 last Sunday. An estimated 50,000 guests feasted on hundreds of kilos of beef and game along with expensive cakes and desserts, while millions face the prospect of starvation.
Even the card was hyper-inflated
Mugabe was treated to a day of poetry, readings and songs, many of them hailing him as an African icon and a visionary. His party faithful brushed off criticism of the birthday bash, with one spokesman saying it was impossible to put a price on Mugabe's contribution to Zimbabwe's development.
A brass band for the brass neck
The televised event saw a military band play, while many supporters wore outfits emblazoned with Mugabe's portrait. Ninety-two balloons were let off and many of his African peers took turns to congratulate him.
Ordinary citizens foot the bill
While Mugabe and his wife Grace enjoyed the celebrations, local media reported that party activists had ordered teachers and villagers in the rural districts of Masvingo - where the party was held - to make cash donations to help pay for it.
Zimbabwe declared a 'state of disaster'
Masvingo is one of the regions most affected by Zimbabwe's worst drought in 25 years. Officials say 75 percent of the staple maize crop has been destroyed by the parched conditions. Around 3 million people are deemed to be food insecure.
Drought takes its toll on vital food sources
The Zimbabwean government recently appealed for $1.6 billion (1.46 billion euros) in international aid to cover food imports after water sources dried up and the national cattle herd was decimated. But, even then Mugabe said he wouldn't accept help if it came with conditions, like recognizing gay marriage.
No intention of stepping down
Despite presiding over an era of economic decline, hyper-inflation, mass emigration and allegations of human rights abuses, Mugabe is still a popular leader, having won around 60 percent support in the 2013 elections. Photos and painted images of him can be seen all over Zimbabwe.
92 years old, 36 years in power
Despite his age, Mugabe has remained tight lipped on succession plans. Fighting within his ruling ZANU-PF party has intensified in recent months, over who will eventually replace the country's only ever leader since independence from Britain in 1980.