ZIMBABWEAN President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday declared the late founding leader of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, a national hero.

Mugabe, 95, died Friday morning in Singapore where he had been receiving medical treatment since April.

In an address to the nation, Mnangagwa declared days of national mourning until Mugabe is buried.

“Our party, ZANU-PF, has met and accorded him national hero status which he earned and richly deserves,” Mnangagwa said.

He also thanked the government of Singapore for the medical care it extended to the leader until his death.

In a glowing and moving tribute, Mnangagwa praised Mugabe for his great contribution and dedication to the development of the country before and after independence.

He described Mugabe as a great teacher, mentor and “remarkable statesman of our century.”

He lauded Mugabe for his signature policy of reconciliation and forgiveness with former colonizer Britain soon after independence in 1980.

He also commended him for spearheading the land reform program under which Zimbabwe repossessed its land from minority white farmers.

“The late Republic icon will eternally be remembered and honored for the bold and historic land reform program which he undertook. (Xinhua)