HARARE: The world’s oldest leader, Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, turns 91 on Saturday with much to celebrate — even as critics condemn as “obscene” his lavish birthday party plans in a country he is accused of plunging into poverty.

“I’m very happy to be that age,” Mugabe said at a meeting of the Southern African Development Community in Pretoria. “I am happy that God has looked after me.”

After years of international criticism, the European Union is resuming aid to the country and has already lifted sanctions on some senior government figures, while Mugabe has taken up the rotating chair of the African Union.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play