The leader of Zimbabwe’s opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai died on Wednesday, 14 February 2018. Tsvangirai suffered from colon cancer and had previously been treated at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. He died at the age of 65.
In the 1990s, Tsvangirai was a key figure in organising one of Zimbabwe’s historic strikes, opposing tax increase when the economy declined.
He was arrested in 2000 on charges of plotting to kill Mugabe. The case was later thrown out of court.
As a presidential candidate, Tsvangirai lost the 2002 election to Mugabe.
In 2007, he was detained and beaten in police custody. His political party MDC beat Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF in the first round of voting in 2008. He managed to win 47 percent of the vote, against Mugabe’s 43 percent but refused to take part in further rounds.
Tsvangirai served as prime minister under ex-President Robert Mugabe in a 2009-2013 unity government.
His death comes a few months before the next Zimbabwean elections where the country will elect a new president following the resignation of Mugabe, who has been succeeded by Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Here is what people on Twitter had to say about his death:
ZBC breaks from normal programming to report on Tsvangirai's death pic.twitter.com/wrs2KVI0wi
— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) February 14, 2018
As we mourn our hero,Dr Tsvangirai I want to thank the State for all forms of assistance they have rendered to him and his family and also thank the hospital staff and govt of South Africa for the services rendered All senior officials to meet at his Highlands home 9:30 am today
— Elias Mudzuri (@EngMudzuri) February 15, 2018
ZIMBABWEAN OPPOSITION LEADER AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER MORGAN TSVANGIRAI IS LATE; MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
— Botswana Government (@BWGovernment) February 14, 2018
Morgan Tsvangirai, longtime leader of Zimbabwe's opposition, former prime minister, and Robert Mugabe's nemesis, has just passed away. As confirmed by MDC-T's @EngMudzuri.
— Simon Allison (@simonallison) February 14, 2018
Although he has been unwell we are in shock at the passing of Tsvangirai, a true democrat who fearlessly stood up to the Mugabe regime and was an inspiration to many. Although we may have differed politically I held a deep respect for MT. My condolences to his family.MHDSRIEP??
— Hon. Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) February 14, 2018
Morgan Tsvangirai represented courage and determination in the face of oppression, and gave ordinary Zimbabweans faith to believe in the future. He was one of the bravest political leaders of his time and will be sadly missed.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/sure_kamhunga/status/963854455321001985
The bravest of all politicians of our time has passed on. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai you fought a good fight. You are one of our generational heroes! Our prayers are with the entire family. MHSRIP.
— Shingi Munyeza (@ShingiMunyeza) February 14, 2018
Go well and rest in power, Morgan Tsvangirai. His steadfast courage and willingness to stand tall against one of the most repressive regimes on the African continent should be applauded. He pushed #Zimbabwe's pro-democracy struggle further than anyone. He will be missed by many.
— Jeffrey Smith (@Smith_JeffreyT) February 14, 2018
A fearless fighter for justice and democracy, and a thorn in the side of inhumanity. Morgan Tsvangirai completed the race and saw the dawn of a new Zimbabwe. ?? Rest in power! #RIPMorganTsvangirai pic.twitter.com/8bGpqWOoNh
— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) February 14, 2018
By Fundisiwe Maseko
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