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Mugabe Turns 91 as Some Zimbabweans Tell Him to Quit


FILE: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is seen during celebrations to mark his 89th birthday in Bindura about 100 kilometres north of Harare, Saturday, March, 2, 2013.
FILE: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is seen during celebrations to mark his 89th birthday in Bindura about 100 kilometres north of Harare, Saturday, March, 2, 2013.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe turned 91 Saturday, making him one of the oldest presidents in the world.

National festivities to mark his birthday, known as the 21st February Movement, are set for Victoria Falls next week.

Thousands of Zimbabweans in many countries are expected Saturday to stage peaceful protests demanding that Mr. Mugabe should step down.

Mr. Mugabe became Zimbabwe’s first democratically elected black leader in 1980 and has over the years been accused of running down the nation’s economy due to poor management, policy inconsistencies and other factors.

The ruling party has blamed the country’s problems on targeted sanctions imposed by the West on the president and his inner circle.

The West has over the years blamed President Mugabe’s government for human rights abuses and election rigging.

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