Lavish celebrations for Zimbabwe's Mugabe at 92

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, the world's oldest leader, marked his 92nd birthday on Saturday with a lavish birthday party that was attended by thousands of party supporters in Masvingo province.

Mugabe turned 92 on February 21, and every year youths in his party organize a massive birthday celebration for him under the banner of the 21st February Movement.

Held since 1986, the 21st February Movement celebrations have become an annual event aimed at ensuring the youths get inspiration from Mugabe's life.

At a ceremony marked by pomp and funfair, party supporters were dressed in colorful party regalia and school children recited poems in praise of the veteran leader.

Mugabe was accompanied by his wife Grace and family members to the celebrations, which were also attended by the two vice presidents, Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, as well as several cabinet ministers.

In his speech, Mugabe once again denounced factionalism which is threatening to tear his party, and urged party members to unite.

"Factionalism has no place at all in Zanu-PF party. It should never be allowed to exist," he said.

Mugabe's party has of late been rocked by intense infighting by factions vying to succeed him, one reportedly led by Vice President Mnangagwa and another by a younger generation of leaders going by the name G40.

He also reminded ambitious party leaders that positions of authority are not obtained through insulting and denigrating each other but through election by the people.

"There is only one way to any position in the party. It is the way of the people. You must be chosen by the people," he said.

Earlier, Mugabe let 92 balloons into the air to mark the start of the celebrations held at the historical Great Zimbabwe Monuments, a UNESCO world heritage site that was built in the 13th Century and from where Zimbabwe derives its name.

Among the festivities, the veteran leader was treated to cake after his speech while officials said cattle and wild game had been slaughtered for the feast.

The celebrations are estimated to have cost 800,000 U.S. dollars funded by party supporters and well wishers.

Mugabe referred to the drought that has hit the country and said the government was doing all it can to mobilize resources for grain imports and ensure no one starves.

The government has said it requires 1.5 billion U.S. dollars to buy maize to feed three million people affected by hunger. Enditem