Zimbabwe's Mugabe returns to Singapore for medical treatment

2011-10-03 09:13:13 GMT+7 (ICT)

HARARE (BNO NEWS) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has again visited Singapore for medical treatment, a minister told the independent Standard newspaper on Sunday. Few details about his visit were released.

Minister of Publicity and Information Webster Shamu said the 87-year-old Mugabe went to seek medical attention in Singapore earlier this week, leaving vice president Joice Mujuru in charge as acting president. He was due to return on Sunday.

"He went for a review following an eye operation he had earlier on. He will be back [sunday]," Shamu told the newspaper. However, a spokesman had said in March that he had already went for his final check-up.

Mugabe has visited Asia at least seven times this year for medical reasons, fueling speculation that his health is taking a turn for the worse. The Standard earlier reported that Mugabe demanded $3 million in government money during each visit, possibly to cover medical bills and travel expenses.

Last month, a newly-released confidential cable from the U.S. Embassy in Harare revealed that U.S. diplomats were told in June 2008 that Mugabe had only three to five years left to live due to prostate cancer. It added that Mugabe was reluctant to step down because of uncertainty of who would succeed him.

But despite worrying reports about Mugabe's health, U.S. diplomats described the Zimbabwean leader in a 2009 cable as 'possibly the healthiest 85-year-old in Zimbabwe.' The diplomats noted that, during a lengthy meeting, Mugabe would constantly move and pull up his sock but described him as alert and engaged.

"Despite previous rumors of possible throat cancer, we noted that his voice was fairly strong although he did speak softly at times during the first hour," the confidential cable from 2009 said. "Aside from frequent shifting, he rarely cleared his throat and appeared to be a vigorous 85-year-old in superb health."

But a U.S. cable nearly three months later, in late August 2009, noted that Mugabe made a quick trip to Dubai. "While his office reports he was on holiday, many believe he was receiving medical care," the cable said. "In the past he has often traveled to Malaysia for treatment of his suspected prostate cancer."

Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since December 1987, making him one of Africa's longest-lasting leaders.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-10-03

Eighty-seven! They do say the good die young.

Eighty-seven! They do say the good die young.

Good point, but Nelson Mandela seems to buck the system a little.

For some good Mugabe propaganda, visit ABAC where there are scores of Mugabe supporting students (all Shona tribe)... living the high life while the opposition starves to death.

"Aside from frequent shifting, he rarely cleared his throat and appeared to be a vigorous 85-year-old in superb health."

I hope those haemorrhoids hurt like hell

Disgraceful that they accept him to come to Singapore.

But then again, they are hardly the beacon of justice.

For every Mandela sadly there is a Mugabe.

Edited October 4, 201114 yr by bigbamboo

For every Mandela sadly there is a Mugabe.

I wish the converse were true too:

For every Mugabe there's a Mandela... not