President Mugabe mourns Fidel Castro

Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, has paid tribute to the former Cuban leader Mr  Fidel Castro who has died aged 90.

Castro’s death was announced by his brother Raul at 10:29pm on state television on Friday.

Castro stepped aside as leader 10 years ago after suffering a severe gastrointestinal illness, and before his 90th birthday in August he told supporters he expected to die soon.

Mugabe joins other world leaders and politicians from across the world who have reacted to the death of the firebrand leader who headed a rebel army to unlikely victory in Cuba, embraced Soviet-style communism and defied the power of 10 US presidents during his near 50-year rule.

In his message, Mugabe praised Castro for fighting for his people and standing up against American blockade.

During Castro’s time, Zimbabwe and Cuba enjoyed good relations.