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Mugabe dismisses health rumours after trip abroad raises speculation

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has poured scorn over the latest rumours of his health, poking fun at the latest online media speculation that he was gravely ill and had sought medical help in Dubai.

Mugabe who arrived back home from abroad on Saturday appeared jovial as he disembarked at the main airport in Harare.

Rumours had been speculating in Zimbabwe that the 92 year old leader had suffered a serious health problem and had sought treatment in Dubai or had even succumbed to his illness.

Mugabe has been in power since 1980 and has said he will run again for office in 2018.

The country remains in political and economic turmoil, amid allegations of government corruption.

The capital, Harare saw a wave of protests last week, with dozens arrested.

Mugabe rejects the blame for the crisis and has vowed to crack down on anti-government dissent.

Police on Thursday banned demonstration in the capital for two weeks.

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