Robert Gabriel Mugabe was a Zimbabwean revolutionary and politician who served as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and President from 1987 to 2017.

*Early Life (1924-1960)*

Born on February 21, 1924, in Kutama, Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia), Mugabe was the son of Gabriel Matibiri Mugabe, a carpenter, and Bona Mugabe. He was raised in a Catholic family and educated at Kutama College and Fort Hare University.

*Education and Early Politics (1960-1975)*

Mugabe earned multiple degrees in law, economics, and education. He joined the Zimbabwe African People\'s Union (ZAPU) in 1961 and later co-founded the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in 1963.

*Guerrilla War and Exile (1975-1980)*

Mugabe led ZANU\'s guerrilla war against the white minority government of Rhodesia. He was imprisoned (1964-1975) and later exiled to Mozambique and Zambia.

*Prime Minister (1980-1987)*

After Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, Mugabe became Prime Minister. He implemented land reform, expanded education and healthcare, and promoted African socialism.

*President (1987-2017)*

In 1987, Mugabe became President, serving seven terms. His rule was marked by:

1. Economic crisis and hyperinflation
2. Land seizures and violence against white farmers
3. Repression of opposition and human rights abuses
4. Election rigging and manipulation

*Controversies and Criticisms*

1. Gukurahundi massacres (1982-1987): estimated 20,000 Ndebele people killed
2. Operation Murambatsvina (2005): forced eviction of 700,000 people
3. 2008 election violence: opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from runoff

*Resignation and Later Life (2017-2019)*

Mugabe resigned on November 21, 2017, after a military coup. He died on September 6, 2019, in Singapore.

*Legacy*

Mugabe\'s legacy is complex:

1. Liberation hero and champion of African nationalism
2. Authoritarian leader responsible for human rights abuses and economic collapse

*Awards and Recognition*

1. Nobel Peace Prize nomination (1981)
2. African Leadership Prize (1986)
3. Honorary degrees from several universities

*Personal Life*

Mugabe married:

1. Sally Hayfron (1961-1992)
2. Grace Marufu (1996-2019)

He had four children.

*Books*

1. \"Our War of Liberation\" (1980)
2. \"Mugabe: Power, Politics, and the Zimbabwean Nation\" (2010)

Mugabe\'s life was marked by both revolutionary ideals and authoritarianism, leaving a lasting impact on Zimbabwe and Africa.