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Mugabe Falls in Harare; Appears Unhurt


Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, center, falls after addressing supporters, at Harare International Airport upon his return from an African Union summit in Ethiopia, Feb. 4, 2015.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, center, falls after addressing supporters, at Harare International Airport upon his return from an African Union summit in Ethiopia, Feb. 4, 2015.

Zimbabwe's 90-year-old president, Robert Mugabe, fell down a staircase Wednesday as he left the podium after a speech.

There was no indication Mugabe was hurt by the fall, and presidential spokesman George Charamba refused to discuss the incident with reporters.

The president had just finished addressing supporters at Harare International Airport upon his return from an African Union summit in Ethiopia, where he was elected AU chairman.

Witnesses say Mugabe missed a step and fell while walking down the stairs. The president was helped to his feet by aides, who escorted him to a waiting car while dusting off his suit.

Security agents quickly rounded up journalists covering the event and ordered them to delete all pictures of Mugabe's fall.

Journalists have often complained of censorship in Zimbabwe, where Mugabe has ruled with an iron fist for nearly 35 years.

Civil society groups opposed his election as AU chair because of alleged election rigging and human rights abuses.

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