Zim: Mugabe whips Western countries

  1. Posted on Tuesday 11 August 2009 - 11:56
    Sam Banda Junior
    Image of Sam Banda Junior
    Sam Banda Junior, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
    Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has lashed out at Western countries and international donors for failing to assist his ailing southern African country. The Pan-Africanist veered off his speech at the funeral procession of his former vice president - late Joseph Msika - and attacked his critics.
    Mugabe
    President Mugabe who formed a government of national unity with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and other opposition leaders wondered as to why the western countries and donors have rejected Zimbabwe which was in need of help to uplift its crumbled economy.

    “The Western countries have continued to reject us and so why should we continue to kneel down for their help?” he questioned amidst applause from the gathering. He said since the formation of the unity government about six months ago, the country has tried to open up to western countries and donors but they have gained nothing.

    “We have tried to open up as friends but the western countries and donors want to come as masters but we say no to this,” Mugabe was quoted by a BBC report. Western countries and donors have pledged to assist the country but have placed conditions with many demanding a change on Mugabe’s side.

    Many of them still believe that the country still has not made enough progress in political reforms and have called on President Mugabe to change. Reports say that the country needs about $5 billion to resuscitate its economy but so far only $200 million has been pledged.

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