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.