Zimbabwe, former economic power house of Africa, has hit an all time low with problems such as hyperinflation, disease, and starvation. The country recently suffered a cholera epidemic that killed over 3000 people and infecting 20 times more. The problem resides in the so called President Robert Mugabe whose greed for power and money override the pressing concerns of the country. Just last month a power sharing deal was signed between Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, although there remains little hope for true change.
Vicious Cycle of Greed
The problem begins with local businessmen in Zimbabwe who are seizing farm land and reaping the profits while average civilians are suffering from malnutrition. Mugabe’s party backs these seizures and enjoys abundant support from the businesses in return. A $250,000 party was thrown in honor of Mugabe’s 85th birthday. Ironically, this happened a few days after the government asked for $2 billion in foreign aid. The US and the EU historically are the main contributors of aid. Money cannot cure greed, and countries must not continue to offer Zimbabwe aid until Mugabe is out of power. Investors and businesses should not funnel foreign money into Mugabe's hands. The opposition party needs to remove the businessmen from the equation and return farmlands to their rightful owners. Only then can this ailing country hope to take steps towards recovering its glory days.
Mugabe chomping on his birthday cake.
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