Robert Mugabe Quotes

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About Robert Mugabe

Robert Gabriel Mugabe (February 21, 1924 – September 6, 2019) was a Zimbabwean revolutionary and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as President from 1987 to 2017. Born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Mugabe spent his early life in a Catholic mission school, later studying at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa and the University of London. Influenced by anti-colonial African nationalist leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere, Mugabe became active in the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) during his university years. After being imprisoned for organizing protests against white minority rule, he was released following a general amnesty in 1974 and returned to Rhodesia to lead the guerrilla struggle for independence, which culminated in Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. Mugabe's presidency was marked by economic instability and international isolation due to controversial land reform policies and allegations of human rights abuses. Despite these controversies, Mugabe remains a significant figure in Zimbabwean history for his role in achieving independence and shaping the nation's post-colonial identity. Major works by Mugabe include "The Struggle for Gukurahundi: The Making of Zimbabwe and Its Unmaking, 1980-2013" and "Zimbabwe: Shaking the Foundations." Quotes often attributed to Mugabe encapsulate his strong rhetoric and political philosophy. Examples include, "The land question is at the heart of the Zimbabwean struggle," and "My ambition is for my country and my people; I could not be happier than achieving their happiness—never mind about me." Despite controversies surrounding Mugabe's rule, his legacy in shaping modern Zimbabwe cannot be understated.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Zimbabwe is Zimbabweans first, last and always."

This quote emphasizes that the nation of Zimbabwe belongs primarily to its people - the Zimbabweans. It suggests a strong national identity where the interests, welfare, and rights of the citizens are prioritized over any external influences or allegiances. This statement underscores the importance of self-determination, unity, and sovereignty among the people of Zimbabwe.


"We have the guns, we have the numbers, and we are determined to see this thing through."

This quote by Robert Mugabe reflects a show of power and determination. Mugabe is saying that his group has the necessary resources (guns) and numerical superiority, and they are resolute in pursuing their objectives to an ultimate conclusion. It suggests a strong-willed stance, backed by force, regarding a political or ideological cause. However, it's important to note that such statements can be subjective and should be considered within the historical and political context of the time they were made.


"I am still the president of Zimbabwe, I did not lose an election."

This quote reflects a strong assertion of personal authority and defiance from former President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. He made this statement following his resignation in 2017 after military intervention and mass protests against his leadership. Despite being forced to step down due to the outcome of an election, Mugabe refused to acknowledge defeat or accept that he had lost political power. Instead, he clung to a sense of entitlement and continued to assert himself as the legitimate leader of Zimbabwe. This quote serves as a striking example of unyielding personal ambition, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.


"Some people call it corruption. I call it retribution."

This quote by Robert Mugabe implies a justification for actions perceived as corrupt, framing them instead as a form of recompense or payback. In other words, Mugabe suggests that he views the acquisition of power, resources, or privileges illicitly as righting past wrongs, rather than accepting responsibility for engaging in unethical practices. It's an attempt to shift blame and create a moral narrative around questionable behavior.


"You don't treat people who have been fighting for their independence like common criminals."

This quote emphasizes respect for individuals and nations that have fought for their independence or self-determination. It suggests that those who have struggled to achieve freedom should not be treated as common offenders, but rather with dignity and understanding, recognizing their sacrifices and resilience. The statement underscores the importance of empathy and justice in international relations, encouraging leaders to approach nations with a historical perspective and an appreciation for the struggles they've faced on their path towards independence.


Cooperation and respect for each other will advance the cause of human rights worldwide. Confrontation, vilification, and double standards will not.

- Robert Mugabe

Will, Double, Other, Worldwide

We have this American president, Obama, born of an African father, who is saying we will not give you aid if you don't embrace homosexuality. We ask, was he born out of homosexuality? We need continuity in our race, and that comes from the woman, and no to homosexuality.

- Robert Mugabe

Father, Woman, Homosexuality, Continuity

We don't mind having sanctions banning us from Europe. We are not Europeans.

- Robert Mugabe

Mind, Having, Europeans, Banning

Zimbabwe has lots of safaris, but very few are African. Most are white-owned. In our region, we have the most safaris and animals. Our people cannot keep suffering.

- Robert Mugabe

Suffering, Very, Zimbabwe, Our People

I've just concluded - since President Obama endorses the same-sex marriage, advocates homosexual people, and enjoys an attractive countenance - thus if it becomes necessary, I shall travel to Washington, D.C., get down on my knee, and ask his hand.

- Robert Mugabe

Down, Concluded, Obama, President

Our small and peaceful country is threatened daily by covetous and bigoted big powers whose hunger for domination and control of other nations and their resources knows no bounds.

- Robert Mugabe

Small, Big, Country, Bigoted

Was it not enough punishment and suffering in history that we were uprooted and made helpless slaves not only in new colonial outposts but also domestically.

- Robert Mugabe

New, Slaves, Uprooted, Helpless

If the choice were made, one for us to lose our sovereignty and become a member of the Commonwealth or remain with our sovereignty and lose the membership of the Commonwealth, I would say let the Commonwealth go.

- Robert Mugabe

Lose, Made, Remain, Membership

Our party must continue to strike fear in the heart of the white man, our real enemy!

- Robert Mugabe

White, Continue, Strike, Real Enemy

Countries such as the U.S. and Britain have taken it upon themselves to decide for us in the developing world, even to interfere in our domestic affairs and to bring about what they call regime change.

- Robert Mugabe

Change, Britain, Regime, Affairs

We are no longer going to ask for the land, but we are going to take it without negotiating.

- Robert Mugabe

Going, Longer, Take, Negotiating

We of Africa protest that, in this day and age, we should continue to be treated as lesser human beings than other races.

- Robert Mugabe

Other, Africa, Treated, Lesser

True, some land was bought by a few Cabinet Ministers. They bought the land. No minister, to my knowledge acquired land which was meant for resettlement.

- Robert Mugabe

Some, Meant, Which, Cabinet

So, Blair keep your England, and let me keep my Zimbabwe.

- Robert Mugabe

England, Keep, Zimbabwe, Blair

In most recent times, as the West started being hostile to us, we deliberately declared a Look East policy.

- Robert Mugabe

Deliberately, Being, Hostile, Recent

Grooming a successor, is it an inheritance? In a democratic party, you don't want leaders appointed that way. They have to be appointed properly by the people.

- Robert Mugabe

Want, Inheritance, Successor, Party

I am glad that Zimbabwe and China speak the same language on many issues. We share the same conviction that only a fair, just, and non-prescriptive world order, based on the principles of the charter of the United Nations, can deliver the development we all need.

- Robert Mugabe

United, United Nations, Order

Our votes must go together with our guns. After all, any vote we shall have, shall have been the product of the gun. The gun which produces the vote should remain its security officer - its guarantor. The people's votes and the people's guns are always inseparable twins.

- Robert Mugabe

Gun, Been, Inseparable, Together

People are free to campaign and they will be free to vote. There won't be any soldiers, you know, at the queues. Anyone who has the right to vote is free to go and cast his vote anywhere in his own area, in his own constituency.

- Robert Mugabe

Own, Will, Area, Vote

I wish to assure you that there can never be any return to the state of armed conflict which existed before our commitment to peace and the democratic process of election under the Lancaster House agreement.

- Robert Mugabe

House, Before, Our, Conflict

The white man is not indigenous to Africa. Africa is for Africans. Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans.

- Robert Mugabe

White, Africa, Zimbabwe, Indigenous

We pride ourselves as being top, really, on the African ladder... We feel that we have actually been advancing rather than going backwards.

- Robert Mugabe

Going, Been, Rather, Advancing

The land is ours. It's not European and we have taken it, we have given it to the rightful people... Those of white extraction who happen to be in the country and are farming are welcome to do so, but they must do so on the basis of equality.

- Robert Mugabe

Country, Happen, Given, Farming

Some people are contriving ways and means of making us collapse.

- Robert Mugabe

Some, Making, Means, Some People

We have said the first step was to designate the land, inform the owners. And the second would be to get the responses from the owners. And this will be openly done.

- Robert Mugabe

Will, Inform, Owners, Openly

It may be necessary to use methods other than constitutional ones.

- Robert Mugabe

Other, Necessary, May, Constitutional

I have been given a list of 35 white farmers in Mashonaland West alone. We say no to whites owning our land, and they should go... They can own companies and apartments... but not the soil. It is ours, and that message should ring loud and clear in Britain and the United States.

- Robert Mugabe

Ring, Been, Britain, West

There are things one must do for oneself.

- Robert Mugabe

Things, Must, Oneself

Stay with us, please remain in this country and constitute a nation based on national unity.

- Robert Mugabe

Unity, Country, Based, Stay

We are not hungry... Why foist this food upon us? We don't want to be choked. We have enough.

- Robert Mugabe

Enough, Want, Why, Hungry

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