Via the BBC: Ex-Rhodesia leader Ian Smith dies

The former prime minister of Rhodesia, Ian Smith, has died aged 88.

The cause of his death is unknown but he had been ill for some time at a residential home in South Africa.

He illegally declared independence from Britain in 1965 and his white minority government led the country for 14 years amid international scorn and sanctions.

Smith governed Rhodesia until the end of the civil war that led to Robert Mugabe taking power. Smith did not leave politics at the point in time, however:

Ian Smith remained a key player in Zimbabwean politics until seats reserved for whites were abolished in 1987.

When in retirement, he failed to create a united opposition to Robert Mugabe, and Mr Smith was finally relegated to the sidelines.