Fool Mr. Lincoln, the Zimbabwean statesman (6)

I believe the answer is:

mugabe

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'lincoln the zimbabwean statesman' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'fool mr' is the wordplay.
'fool' becomes 'mug' (synonyms).
'mr' becomes 'abe' ().
'mug'+'abe'='MUGABE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mugabe that I've seen before include "Zimbabwe's president since 1987" , "ZANU-PF leader" , "African politician" , "Mnangagwa's predecessor" , "African leader" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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