As Africa's oldest leader and Zimbabwe's ruler since independence, Robert Mugabe turns 90, high-profile celebrations risk being overshadowed by rumours of ill health and a raging succession battle.
Mugabe's aides insist he is fighting fit but another medical trip to Singapore this week, reportedly for eye surgery, has rekindled suspicions.
He is not expected back in Zimbabwe until shortly before an elaborate stadium birthday celebration on Sunday that is said to be costing around $1 million.
The man who took power in 1980 on Zimbabwe's independence from Britain has long been rumoured to be seriously ill.
A leaked 2008 US diplomatic cable cited then central bank governor Gideon Gono as saying Mugabe had prostate cancer, a claim denied by officials.
Whether true or not, the run-up to this year's birthday bash has seen evidence that his ruling ZANU-PF party is readying for "life after Bob".
In an interview to be broadcast by state television channel ZBC on Thursday, Mugabe insisted talk of succession was unnecessary.
"Why should it be discussed when it is not due? Is it due?" he was quoted as saying by state newspaper The Herald.
"The leadership still exists that runs the country. In other words I am still there.
Mugabe also used the interview to castigate groups supporting would-be successors, accusing them of stoking factionalism.
During his 34-year rule Mugabe has studiously avoided naming a successor and often moved against those, like independence hero Joshua Nkomo.
Born on February 21, 1924, Mugabe won disputed elections last year when he beat his arch-rival, former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
