Mugabe turns 82 showered with praises despite country's woes

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2006

HARARE (AFP) — Zimbabwe's long-serving President Robert Mugabe who has turned 82, was showered with praises by his followers and his ruling party despite presiding over a nation reeling under worsening economic crises.

"We wish you many more years and hope you will continue to steer the country with your wise leadership," said Absolom Sikhosana, the ruling Zimbabwe National African Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) youth league leader in a message published in two private dailies on Tuesday.

The state-owned Herald published a 16-page supplement of pictures of Mugabe and congratulatory messages from government departments, public and privately-owned companies.

The privately owned Daily Mirror dedicated eight pages to pictures Mugabe and good wish messages to...