Harare, September 6 (RHC)-- Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has died at the age of 95, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said. 

"It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe," Mnangagwa posted on Twitter early on Friday.

"Mugabe was an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten.

"May his soul rest in eternal peace," he added.

Mugabe died in a Singapore hospital surrounded by his family and his wife, Grace, indicated various sources to  ZimLive website.

The former president of Zimbabwe had been hospitalized and receiving medical treatment in the Asian city for the last five months.

Robert Mugabe held power in Zimbabwe for 37 years - since independence from the UK in 1980 - before relinquishing power in November 2017.