He was Mugabe's fiercest critic.
The leader of Zimbabwe's main opposition group, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and a former prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai has died, reports BBC Africa. He was 65.
Tsvangirai had been battling colon cancer.
He was a fierce critic of President Robert Mugabe, which landed him beaten and imprisoned on various occasions—most notably in 2007, when photos of an injured Tsvangirai surface online, after he has been reportedly beaten for attending an "Illegal" prayer meeting. He played a major role in organizing nation-wide strikes and protests on several instances during Mugabe's historically long rule.
He had a decades-long career in politics, originally joining Mugabe's Zanu-PF party during Zimbabwe's Independence, reports eNCA.
According to CNN, he ran against Mugabe in 2008, earning 47 percent of the vote and causing a runoff vote, before eventually pulling out of the race, citing "widespread intimidation, torture, mutilation and murder" against his supporters.
Folks are sending condolences on Twitter, remembering Tsvangirai as a passionate advocate for freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe.
A fearless fighter for justice and democracy, and a thorn in the side of inhumanity. Morgan Tsvangirai completed th… https://t.co/9KelXEeAS8— Ulrich J van Vuuren (@Ulrich J van Vuuren) 1518638948.0
RIP Morgan Tsvangirai. For years nobody listened... and when your time came, it was just too late #Zimbabwe #Mugabe… https://t.co/3aP8GJInXU— Neal Collins (@Neal Collins) 1518637840.0
R.I.P Morgan Tsvangirai. Your brave efforts and determination to bring true democracy to Zimbabwe will not be forgotten.— Robert Kimbell (@Robert Kimbell) 1518638920.0
Rest in power comrade Morgan Tsvangirai. What next for Zimbabwe disorganised, squabbling opposition? Unite in Tsvan… https://t.co/kLpBRuC9Gf— Boniface Mwangi (@Boniface Mwangi) 1518637294.0
@Smith_JeffreyT @geoffreyyork A legendary lion took his last roar today in this jungle called life. However, the li… https://t.co/goMV0YL7CC— Woke African (@Woke African) 1518637184.0
#MorganTsvangirai Rest in Power Dr Tsvangirai He faced Mugabe head on and was even severely beaten https://t.co/3MVBfXpTrU— Tumi Sole (@Tumi Sole) 1518636774.0
At least he witnessed the removal of Robert Mugabe as a President, May his soul Rest in Peace. #MorganTsvangirai https://t.co/sJzZEIbxhs— Nomzamo Mhlongo (@Nomzamo Mhlongo) 1518641055.0
It’s a dark day. Morgan Tsvangirai lost his brave battle with cancer this evening. The heart breaks with pain.… https://t.co/gwLEGuvYQk— Alex T Magaisa 🇿🇼 (@Alex T Magaisa 🇿🇼) 1518635663.0
