EU promises more aid to Zimbabwe after Robert Mugabe

THE European Union was ready to pour 250 million euros (about N$3,04 billion) into Zimbabwe’s worst-affected sectors and forgive debts if a legitimate and credible government emerged from the current political imbroglio, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, has said.

Reacting to Robert Mugabe’s defiant bluster of “…the international community could shout as loud as they like” but that the Zimbabwean people would decide on who is President, Michel said for once he agreed. But, he noted, “…let me also calmly point out to Mr Mugabe that the international community has no need to shout because the truth can be heard even when it’s a whisper.”It was however essential that the international community kept repeating their message of reassurance and support during “this democratic and economic coma for Zimbabwe,” he said.The EU, which last year spent 90 million euros (about N$1,01 billion) in aid to Zimbabwe, considered forgiving the massive debts racked up the Mugabe regime as “a key area of assistance” to ensure Zimbabwe emerged from its current economic meltdown, Michel said.The EU also stood ready to commit N$304 billion to support hospitals, schools and the farming sector that was once the pride of the nation, in close conjunction with the AU and SADC.”These are just some of the practical reasons why I would encourage the rest of the international donor community to make it clear today that it is ready to provide substantial and immediate assistance to Zimbabwe in the wake of a transition towards democracy.”It was clear that Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party had lost the first round of elections and the EU wanted to assure the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) that it stood behind them in their quest to restore democracy to Zimbabwe, Michel said.”Saturday March 29 marked the first day of the end of this regime.Mugabe’s posturing as a hero of anti-colonialism, which once earned him some popularity in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa, is fooling no one anymore,” Michel said.”The African voices of democracy and justice are being heard.”* John Grobler is a freelance journalist; 081 240 1587But, he noted, “…let me also calmly point out to Mr Mugabe that the international community has no need to shout because the truth can be heard even when it’s a whisper.”It was however essential that the international community kept repeating their message of reassurance and support during “this democratic and economic coma for Zimbabwe,” he said.The EU, which last year spent 90 million euros (about N$1,01 billion) in aid to Zimbabwe, considered forgiving the massive debts racked up the Mugabe regime as “a key area of assistance” to ensure Zimbabwe emerged from its current economic meltdown, Michel said.The EU also stood ready to commit N$304 billion to support hospitals, schools and the farming sector that was once the pride of the nation, in close conjunction with the AU and SADC.”These are just some of the practical reasons why I would encourage the rest of the international donor community to make it clear today that it is ready to provide substantial and immediate assistance to Zimbabwe in the wake of a transition towards democracy.”It was clear that Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party had lost the first round of elections and the EU wanted to assure the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) that it stood behind them in their quest to restore democracy to Zimbabwe, Michel said.”Saturday March 29 marked the first day of the end of this regime.Mugabe’s posturing as a hero of anti-colonialism, which once earned him some popularity in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa, is fooling no one anymore,” Michel said.”The African voices of democracy and justice are being heard.”* John Grobler is a freelance journalist; 081 240 1587