MARONDERA, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has addressed thousands of supporters as he begins campaigning in earnest for what may be his last election next year.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace follow proceedings during a youth rally in Marondera about 100 kilometres east of Harare, Friday, June, 2, 2017. The rally was held as part of his 2017 Presidential election campaign bid where the youth declared Mugabe as the sole candidate and life President of the Southern African nation.(AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
The 93-year-old spoke for close to two hours Friday in a town east of the capital, Harare. The rally was the first in a series the world’s oldest head of state is expected to address nationwide.
Mugabe defended his government’s often violent land reform program in which Whites were evicted to make way for landless Blacks. He also promised land for youths.
An armed policeman stands guard next to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s portrait during a youth rally in Marondera about 100 kilometres east of Harare, Friday, June, 2, 2017. The rally was held as part of his 2017 Presidential election campaign bid where the youth declared Mugabe as the sole candidate and life President of the Southern African nation.(AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
The president added that those who thought he was finished due to old age “got the shock of their lives” with the huge numbers he has been drawing at events.
Concerns have been growing about Mugabe’s weakening health. He has led Zimbabwe since 1980.