Zimbabwe's former president Robert Mugabe is unable to walk because of ill health, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
Former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. Photo: AFP
Mr Mugabe, 94, has been in Singapore for treatment for an undisclosed illness for the past two months, he said.
The former president also made several medical trips there towards the end of his time in power.
Mr Mnangagwa became head of state a year ago after Mr Mugabe was ousted following the intervention of the army.
Up to that point, Mr Mugabe was the only president Zimbabwe had known, having been in power for 37 years.
He led the movement for Zimbabwean independence from white minority rule.
President Mnangagwa was addressing a rally in his predecessor's home area when he talked about the former leader's health.
"He is now old. Of course, he now is unable to walk but whatever he asks for we will provide," AFP quoted him as saying.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Photo: AFP
When Mr Mugabe was in power officials said he was being treated for eye problems, denying rumours he had cancer.
Mr Mnangagwa said the former leader was feeling better and would be back in the country next week.
"We are looking after him.
"He is our founding father of free Zimbabwe," the president said.
The government is paying for Mr Mugabe's treatment.
After taking over from him last year, Mr Mnangagwa won a disputed presidential election in July.
-BBC