Robert Gabriel Mugabe Biography

Mugabe is born in Matibiri village near Kutama Mission in the Zvimba District northeast of Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Fort Hare

After graduating, Mugabe lectures at Chalimbana Teacher Training College, in Zambia from 1955-1958

Mugabe and some of his Zimbabwe African National Union party cadres receive instruction at the Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute, then at Winneba in southern Ghana

Lectures at Apowa Secondary School at Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana (1958 - 1960)

Mugabe and some of his Zimbabwe African National Union party cadres receive instruction at the Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute, then at Winneba in southern Ghana

Mugabe returns to Southern Rhodesia and joins the National Democratic Party

Mugabe returns to Southern Rhodesia and joins the National Democratic Party

Helps found the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union

The Zimbabwe African National Union party is founded by Ndabaningi Sithole, Herbert Chitepo, Edgar Tekere, Leopold Takawira and Robert Mugabe at the house of former Defence minister Enos Nkala in Highfield. Mugabe leaves ZAPU to join the rival Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU)

The Zimbabwe African National Union party is founded by Ndabaningi Sithole, Herbert Chitepo, Edgar Tekere, Leopold Takawira and Robert Mugabe at the house of former Defence minister Enos Nkala in Highfield

Arrested for "subversive speech" and spends the next 10 years in Salisbury prison, hatred of European hegemony in Africa grows, earns three degrees, including a law degree from London

Appointed leader of ZANU while in prison

Released from prison

ZANU & ZAPU merge to form the Patriotic Front, ZANU-PF

A factional split along tribal lines causes the Ndebele to follow Sithole into the moderate ZANU (Ndonga) party, who renounce violent struggle, the Shona follow Mugabe with a more militant agenda

Robert Mugabe unilaterally assumes control of ZANU after the assassination of Herbert Chitepo

The objective of the Patriotic Front was to overthrow the white minority regime of Ian Smith by means of political pressure and military force

The Patriotic Front (PF) is originally formed in 1976 as a political and military alliance between ZAPU and ZANU during the war against white minority rule in Zimbabwe (then called Rhodesia)

The Patriotic Front (PF) is originally formed in 1976 as a political and military alliance between ZAPU and ZANU during the war against white minority rule in Zimbabwe (then called Rhodesia)

The Patriotic Front (PF) is originally formed in 1976 as a political and military alliance between ZAPU and ZANU during the war against white minority rule in Zimbabwe (then called Rhodesia). The objective of the Patriotic Front was to overthrow the white minority regime of Ian Smith by means of political pressure and military force

Mugabe coordinates with Nkomo through the Patriotic Front during settlement talks.

ZAPUs military wing is known as Zimbabwe Peoples Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) and ZANUs guerrillas were known as Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA)

ZAPUs military wing is known as Zimbabwe Peoples Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) and ZANUs guerrillas were known as Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA). The Patriotic Front (PF) is originally formed in 1976 as a political and military alliance between ZAPU and ZANU during the war against white minority rule in Zimbabwe (then called Rhodesia)

The Patriotic Front (PF) is originally formed in 1976 as a political and military alliance between ZAPU and ZANU during the war against white minority rule in Zimbabwe (then called Rhodesia)

A ceasefire is negotiated for the talks, which are attended by Smith, Mugabe, Nkomo & Edson Zvobgo

The parties to the Lancaster House talks agree on a new constitution for a new Republic of Zimbabwe with elections in February 1980. During the Lancaster House negotiations allows 20 seats to be reserved for whites in the new Parliament and agrees to a ten year moratorium on constitutional amendments

The Patriotic Front parties boycott the elections

The parties to the Lancaster House talks agree on a new constitution for a new Republic of Zimbabwe with elections in February 1980

The OAU recognizes the Patriotic Front as representitive of Zimbabwe

The parties to the Lancaster House talks agree on a new constitution for a new Republic of Zimbabwe with elections in February 1980

The OAU recognizes the Patriotic Front as representitive of Zimbabwe

The parties to the Lancaster House talks agree on a new constitution for a new Republic of Zimbabwe with elections in February 1980

A ceasefire is negotiated for the talks, which are attended by Smith, Mugabe, Nkomo & Edson Zvobgo.

During the Lancaster House negotiations allows 20 seats to be reserved for whites in the new Parliament and agrees to a ten year moratorium on constitutional amendments.

Returns to Zimbabwe following the completion of the Lancaster House Agreement, is greeted with enormous supportive crowds.

The parties to the Lancaster House talks agree on a new constitution for a new Republic of Zimbabwe with elections in February 1980.

During the Lancaster House negotiations allows 20 seats to be reserved for whites in the new Parliament and agrees to a ten year moratorium on constitutional amendments

Returns to Zimbabwe following the completion of the Lancaster House Agreement, is greeted with enormous supportive crowds

Mugabe signs the settlement providing a ceasefire, constitution and supervised elections.

The election is won by Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF, with Joshua Nkomo and his PF-ZAPU retaining a stronghold in the province of Matabeleland

Mugabe's government begins integrating former guerrilla armies into national forces.

ZANU allies itself with the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU) in the Patriotic Front (PF), the two parties adopting the names ZANU-PF and PF-ZAPU respectively, but they split after achieving majority rule

ZANU allies itself with the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU) in the Patriotic Front (PF), the two parties adopting the names ZANU-PF and PF-ZAPU respectively, but they split after achieving majority rule. The election is won by Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF, with Joshua Nkomo and his PF-ZAPU retaining a stronghold in the province of Matabeleland

Mugabe forms a ZANU-PF-led government following the supervised election.

Mugabe returns to campaign in the British-supervised independence election.

Mugabe returns from exile to campaign in the independence election.

Mugabe is appointed Prime Minister after ZANU-PF's election victory.

Mugabe is appointed Prime Minister following the election result.

Mugabe includes ZAPU representatives in the first independence government.

After a campaign marked by intimidation from all sides, mistrust from security forces and reports of full ballot boxes found on the road, the Shona majority is decisive in electing Mugabe to head the first Government as Prime Minister

After a campaign marked by intimidation from all sides, mistrust from security forces and reports of full ballot boxes found on the road, the Shona majority is decisive in electing Mugabe to head the first Government as Prime Minister

ZANU allies itself with the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU) in the Patriotic Front (PF), the two parties adopting the names ZANU-PF and PF-ZAPU respectively, but they split after achieving majority rule.

ZANU win 57 out of 80 Common Roll seats in the new Parliament, with the 20 white seats all going to the Rhodesian Front.

ZANU-PF wins the largest share of seats in the independence election.

Mugabe begins forming Zimbabwe's first majority-rule government.

ZANU-PF wins 57 of the 80 common-roll parliamentary seats.

Mugabe leads Zimbabwe into independence and Commonwealth membership.

Mugabe leads the first government of the independent Republic of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe gains internationally recognised independence under Mugabe's government.

Zimbabwe is admitted as a member of the United Nations.

Mugabe's government deploys the Fifth Brigade in Matabeleland and the Midlands.

Government forces conduct operations against armed dissidents and suspected ZAPU supporters.

The capital is officially renamed Harare on the second independence anniversary.

Nkomo leaves Zimbabwe after security forces search for him during the political conflict.

The government deploys the Fifth Brigade during the Gukurahundi campaign.

ZANU-PF wins a large majority in the first post-independence parliamentary election.

Constitutional changes remove the seats previously reserved for white voters.

A Unity Accord is signed between the two parties; PF-ZAPU is merged into ZANU-PF, effectively establishing a one-party state dominated Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF, Joshua Nkomo becomes one of two vice-presidents

Mugabe concludes the Unity Accord with Nkomo to end the ZANU-ZAPU conflict.

Mugabe begins implementing the political settlement agreed with Nkomo.

Mugabe signs the Unity Accord with Joshua Nkomo.

The Unity Accord provides for ZAPU's incorporation into ZANU-PF.

Mugabe's final premiership ends as the executive presidency is established.

Constitutional changes abolish the office of Prime Minister and establish executive presidency.

Constitutional changes abolish the premiership and create an executive presidency.

Parliament elects Mugabe as Zimbabwe's executive President.

Mugabe is sworn in as executive President after the constitutional change.

Mugabe assumes the newly strengthened executive presidency.

A step towards a one party state. After 8 years of "low-level" civil war termed Gukurahundi, the opposition Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU), led by Joshua Nkomo, merges with ZANU to form ZANU-PF with the added moniker of Patriotic Front

ZAPU merges into the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF)

Parliament becomes unicameral after the Senate is temporarily abolished.

Nkomo becomes one of Zimbabwe's Vice-Presidents under the unity arrangement.

Legislation makes the President Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe.

Mugabe wins the first direct presidential election under the executive system.

Mugabe begins a new presidential term after the national election.

Mugabe wins Zimbabwe's presidential election and begins another term.

Mugabe's government expands legal authority for compulsory land acquisition.

Parliament changes constitutional provisions governing compulsory land acquisition.

Mugabe's government begins an economic structural adjustment programme.

Mugabe hosts the Commonwealth summit that adopts the Harare Declaration.

Commonwealth leaders adopt the Harare Declaration during a summit hosted by Zimbabwe.

Mugabe signs legislation expanding government powers to acquire land for redistribution.

ZANU-PF wins an overwhelming majority in the parliamentary election.

Mugabe wins another six-year presidential term.

Mugabe wins another presidential term after opposition candidates withdraw or boycott.

Mugabe's government begins privatising selected state enterprises.

Mugabe authorises unbudgeted compensation payments for liberation war veterans.

The Zimbabwe dollar falls sharply after major unbudgeted government commitments.

Mugabe deploys Zimbabwean forces in support of the Congolese government.

Economic deterioration contributes to strikes, demonstrations and growing opposition.

Mugabe appoints a commission to prepare proposals for a new constitution.

The Movement for Democratic Change is formed as a major opposition party.

Government-backed land occupations accelerate the fast-track redistribution programme.

The government accelerates compulsory redistribution of commercial agricultural land.

Voters reject the draft constitution supported by the government.

Voters reject the government's proposed new constitution.

Parliament authorises compulsory acquisition of agricultural land without government compensation.

The amendment changes compensation obligations for compulsorily acquired agricultural land.

ZANU-PF narrowly retains control while the MDC becomes a major parliamentary opposition.

Security forces arrest demonstrators during a general strike against economic conditions.

Agriculture Minister Joseph Made says the land-grab is over, he says the Government has seized 35 million acres of land from white farmers.

The European Union imposes sanctions on Zimbabwe and pulls out its election observers after the EU team leader is expelled

The European Union imposes sanctions on Zimbabwe and pulls out its election observers after the EU team leader is expelled

The European Union imposes targeted sanctions after withdrawing its election observers.

The government declares a disaster as food shortages threaten widespread hunger.

The European Union imposes sanctions on Zimbabwe and pulls out its election observers after the EU team leader is expelled

Parliament enacts legislation imposing new restrictions on independent media.

Mugabe signs legislation expanding state powers over public meetings and political activity.

Opposition parties and foreign observers challenge the credibility of the presidential election.

Mugabe is declared the winner after a heavily disputed presidential election.

Mugabe is declared re-elected after a presidential contest criticised by observers.

The Commonwealth suspends Zimbabwe from its councils following the disputed election.

Zimbabwe is suspended from Commonwealth councils following the disputed election.

Commonwealth leaders fail to agree additional measures against Zimbabwe.

Police arrest opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai during a week of protests.

Mugabe announces Zimbabwe's withdrawal after the Commonwealth maintains its suspension.

Mugabe withdraws Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth after continued suspension.

An African Union report criticises abuses against opposition politicians and lawyers.

The United States labels Zimbabwe an outpost of tyranny.

ZANU-PF removes senior officials accused of disloyalty and espionage.

ZANU-PF wins a large parliamentary majority in the national election.

ZANU-PF wins a two-thirds parliamentary majority in the national election.

The government begins demolishing informal homes, markets and businesses.

Government authorities begin demolishing informal housing and trading structures.

Prosecutors withdraw the remaining treason case against Morgan Tsvangirai.

A newly restored Senate begins operating after elections.

The MDC reports alleged ghost voters and other irregularities in the Senate poll.

The MDC alleges serious irregularities in the Senate election process.

ZANU-PF wins most elected seats in the restored Senate.

Zimbabwe holds elections for the restored upper chamber of Parliament.

ZANU-PF wins 43 of the 50 elected Senate seats.

A United Nations official warns that Zimbabwe faces severe humanitarian and economic decline.

Zimbabwe experiences accelerating hyperinflation and severe currency instability.

Official inflation rises above one thousand percent.

Zimbabwe removes three zeros from its currency during continuing inflation.

Police break up a union protest and detain its leaders.

ZANU-PF considers delaying the next presidential election.

Police impose temporary restrictions on opposition rallies and demonstrations.

Police arrest and beat Tsvangirai after an opposition prayer meeting.

The government warns that prolonged electricity cuts will affect homes and businesses.

Authorities charge five men with treason over an alleged coup conspiracy.

Mugabe attends the summit despite criticism of Zimbabwe's human-rights record.

Mugabe attends the EU-Africa summit, where he is criticised over his rights record, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown boycotts the meeting over Mugabes presence

ZANU-PF endorses Mugabe as its candidate for the approaching election.

Extreme inflation destroys the value of the Zimbabwe dollar.

Mugabe opens his campaign by attacking opposition presidential candidates.

Mugabe contests presidential and parliamentary elections against a strengthened opposition.

ZANU-PF wins fewer elected Assembly seats than the combined MDC factions.

Official results show ZANU-PF losing its elected majority in the Assembly.

Election results show ZANU-PF losing its parliamentary majority for the first time.

Mugabe contests a runoff after Tsvangirai withdraws amid political violence.

Mugabe signs a power-sharing agreement with the two MDC formations.

Voters approve a new constitution by an overwhelming majority.

Mugabe gives assent to the new Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Mugabe wins another presidential term as ZANU-PF regains a parliamentary majority.

Mugabe resigns after military intervention and the beginning of parliamentary impeachment proceedings.

Former President Robert Mugabe dies in Singapore.