Pics: Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe marks 92nd birthday

In what has been termed a lavish celebration in a drought hit country, Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe marked his 92nd birthday which reportedly cost $800,000.  Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s only leader since its independence from Britain in 1980, claimed no one would starve as a result of a drought which has left 3 million people in need and prompted the declaration of a state of disaster in most rural areas. But in a characteristic jibe aimed at western countries, he said Zimbabwe would not accept aid if it came with conditions that the country should accept gay rights.
“If aid, as I understand, is to be given on the basis that we accept the principle of gay marriages, then let that aid stay where it is,” Mugabe said during an hour-long speech. “We don’t want it. It is rotten aid, filthy aid and we won’t have anything to do with it.”

Zimbabwe has appealed for nearly $1.6bn (£1.2bn) to help pay for grain and other food, but no aid organisation is known to have attached such a condition to assistance. Mugabe turned 92 on 21 February and shows no intention of stepping down, much to the frustration of feuding members of his ruling Zanu-PF party who have long been trying to position themselves for his succession.