Govt boosts aid to help ‘failed state’ Zimbabwe: PM
Dec 4, 2008
LONDON (AFP) — The govenment announced 10 million pounds of emergency aid to help tackle Zimbabwe’s cholera crisis Thursday, while denouncing President Robert Mugabe as leader of a “failed state.”
The pledge came as Zimbabwe pleaded for international help after declaring the epidemic that has killed over 560 people a national emergency, and admitted that hospitals are no longer working.
“Mugabe’s failed state is no longer willing or capable of protecting its people. Thousands are stricken with cholera, and must be helped urgently,” said Prime Minister Gordon Brown, whose country is the former colonial power in Zimbabwe.
“The international community’s differences with Mugabe will not prevent us doing so — we are increasing our development aid, and calling on others to follow suit.”
And he added: “For once we agree with the government of Zimbabwe — this is a national emergency.”
Britain is a fierce critic of Mugabe’s leadership, calling it a “criminal cabal.” British aid to Zimbabweans is channelled through non-governmental bodies rather than Mugabe’s regime.
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