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Zimbabwe opposition leader Tsvangirai says suffering from cancer

Xinhua, June 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said Monday he has been diagnosed with colon cancer and intends to confront the illness with determination to overcome it.

"As a leader and a public figure, I have taken a decision to make public my condition. It is my firm belief that the health of national leaders, including politicians, should not be a subject of national speculation and uncertainty," he said in a statement.

The MDC-T leader said he was diagnosed of the disease and underwent a surgery in South Africa last month.

He said he started treatment through chemotherapy this week.

"This health condition is unfortunate but can be faced by anyone. In the meantime, let us remain focused in confronting the national crisis we face," Tsvangirai said.

The 64-year old Tsvangirai is a key figure in Zimbabwe's opposition politics and was prime minister in the inclusive government between 2009 and 2013 after he won more votes than President Robert Mugabe in the 2008 polls but not enough for him to be declared winner. Endit