Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has prostate cancer that has spread to other organs and was urged by his physician to step down in 2008, according to a US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks.
In the cable dated June 2008 and written by James D McGee, the former US ambassador in Harare, Zimbabwe's Central Bank governor Gideon Gono was cited as saying the cancer could lead to Mr Mugabe's death in three to five years.
"Gideon Gono, governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, told the ambassador ... that President Robert Mugabe has prostate cancer that has metastasized and, according to doctors, will cause his death in three to five years," the cable said.
The 87-year-old has been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980.
Although there have been numerous reports over the past decades on Robert Mugabe's health, he has no publicly known serious ailment but underwent cataract surgery in Singapore in February.
In an interview with Reuters last September, Mr Mugabe dismissed rumours that he was dying of cancer and had suffered a stroke.
In the cable, Mr McGee is quoted as saying that Mr Mugabe's doctor had recommended that the Zimbabwean leader cut back on his activities and cited Mr Gono as saying that the Zimbabwean leader received medical advice to step down.
In a reference to an earlier meeting with the Central Bank's Governor in 2007, the cable says Mr Mugabe had told his doctor that he would step down after the elections in 2008.
Zimbabwean media reported last weekend that Mr Mugabe had said elections will be held early next year.
Elections are only due in 2013 but Robert Mugabe says the unity government he was forced into two years ago with his rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, has run its course.
Analysts say Mr Mugabe's inner circle wants an early election, fearing the veteran leader may not be able to cope with the demands of campaigning in two years' time when he will be 89.
