Robert Mugabe has been the head of the government of Zimbabwe since its independence from white-minority rule in 1980. He stands accused of human rights abuses, including ignoring the cholera epidemic and economic collapse of his country. He drew additional international condemnation for his obstruction of the 2008 Presidential Election.The New York Times: Queen Strips Mugabe of Knighthood (June 26, 2008)

After the election was widely criticized as fraudulent, months of negotiations led by South African president Thabo Mbeki reached a compromise solution. The revised governmental structure would create a new position of Prime Minister and build a coalition with Mugabe as president and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai as Prime Minister.Zimbabwe Times: Chinamasa says Zanu-PF to forge ahead (January 27, 2009) Tsvangirai was sworn in as prime minister on February 11, 2009.

Despite criticism, Mugabe is still widely considered a hero of the wars of independence for his leadership of guerrilla groups against the government of Rhodesia.Toronto Star: Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe: tyrant to many, hero to some (March 28, 2008)

Critics point to the corruption, brutal suppression of political opposition, failed land reform, botched economic management and an increasingly dire human rights situation that have come to characterize his rule, particularly since 2005. He has also been criticized for his condemnation of homosexuality and involvement of the Zimbabwe armed forces in the Congolese Civil War.Toronto Star: Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe: tyrant to many, hero to some (March 28, 2008)

On January 26, 2009, the governments of the European Union added sanctions against 36 companies and 27 individuals who are associated with Mugabe, including 18 UK based companies whose assets were frozen.Bloomberg: EU Adds Zimbabwe Sanctions, Puts Pressure on Mugabe (Update1) (January 26, 2009) On January 27, 2009, the Catholic bishops of southern Africa released a statement demanding that Mugabe step down immediately.All Africa: Zimbabwe: Stop Genocide, Step Down, Bishops Tell Mugabe (January 27, 2009)

Before the election, it was feared that Robert Mugabe would prevent a free and fair process through the use of ballot stuffing, intimidation and arrests. While the election itself was largely peaceful, Mugabe has since been criticized for obstruction of the electoral process.Reuters: Opposition vows to fight Zimbabwe election fraud (March 23, 2008)

Condemnation from Zimbabwe and around the world has focused on his stalling the release of election and recount results, arrests of opposition members, intimidation of opposition supporters with violence and general refusal to act with transparency.Reuters: Mugabe wants vote to strengthen hand (June 25, 2008)

The opposition party leader Morgan Tsvangirai won the election, but the margin required a runoff election. Tsvangirai withdrew from run the runoff election, citing violence and threats against him and his supporters.CNN: Tsvangirai sworn in as Zimbabwe PM (February 11, 2009) On June 29, 2008 Mugabe was sworn in for his sixth term as the President of Zimbabwe.The Washington Times: Mugabe starts 6th term (June 30, 2008)

After of months of negotiations headed by South African President Thabo Mbeki, Mugabe signed a power deal with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on September 15, 2008, The deal created a new position of Prime Minister, and would allow Mugabe to continue leading Zimbabwe as president, naming Tsvangirai prime minister and another opposition leader, Arthur Mutambara, deputy prime minister. The deal was a compromise after months of controversy surrounding the fraudulent election.USA Today: Zimbabwe...Mugabe will cede some power (September 15, 2008)

A February 2009 party for President Robert Mugabe's 85 birthday was thrown by his supporters for $250,000. The news of the lavish celebration came just days after Zimbabwe requested $2 billion in aid from Africa.BBC: Mugabe set for lavish birthday (February 28, 2009) During the party, Mugabe made a speech mostly blaming others for the country's problems.NPR: In Midst Of Poverty, A Bash For Zimbabwe's Mugabe (March 1, 2009)