article_snippet: his wife accompanied the 91-year-old dictator on a recent trip to Japan to meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe - a move which drew widespread condemnation from parties within the country.
article_snippet: But the 49-year-old has fallen severely ill in recent months and his wife has been taking regular trips to Singapore for medical treatment.
article_snippet: In his wife absence, regular trips has taken a more prominent role at the Zimbabwean president's side at official events and trips.
article_snippet: Earlier this week, photographs emerged showing his wife with Mugabe - who is also in poor health - as part of a state delegation that held talks with Japan's prime minister.