Kenya PM calls for Mugabe removal

Power-sharing in Zimbabwe is dead and it is time for African governments to oust President Robert Mugabe, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said.
After talks with Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai in Nairobi, Mr Odinga told the BBC that Mr Mugabe had no interest in sharing power.

"It's time for African governments to take decisive action to push him out of power," said Mr Odinga.

Zimbabwe is in political deadlock over a unity coalition government deal.


See detailed map of affected areas
State media meanwhile reported the arrest of 10 soldiers who allegedly ran amok in the capital Harare on Monday because a bank had no money to pay their wages. Six other soldiers accused of looting last week had also been held.

"Power-sharing is dead in Zimbabwe and will not work with a dictator who does not really believe in power-sharing," Mr Odinga told the BBC.

The BBC's Karen Allen in Nairobi says the Kenya prime minister had also held talks with Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa's ruling African National Congress party.

Mr Zuma declared a new alliance between his party and the Kenyan leader, designed to elevate the Zimbabwe issue, she says.

'National emergency'

Mr Odinga said that if Mr Mugabe were isolated, he would have no choice but to quit.

Our correspondent says his comments are some of the most outspoken by an African leader and could signal a ramping up of pressure against Mr Mugabe.

Mr Tsvangirai has been on a whirlwind tour of several African countries appealing for help.

Meanwhile a cholera outbreak has claimed at least 565 lives in Zimbabwe. At least 12,545 cases have been recorded since August.

The country's authorities, which last week said there was no crisis, have now declared the outbreak a national emergency.

Health Minister David Parirenyatwa warned on Wednesday hospitals were badly lacking in basic medical supplies, equipment and staff.

"Our central hospitals are literally not functioning," he told the Herald newspaper.

Most of Zimbabwe's capital has been without water since Sunday. State media said the water was cut because of a lack of purification tablets to help prevent the spread of cholera.

The European Commission has pledged more than $12m (£8m) for drugs and clean water in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe's government has blamed its crisis on Western sanctions it says are aimed at trying to bring down Mr Mugabe.

But the sanctions imposed after allegations of electoral fraud and political violence are aimed at the president and his close associates and consist of travel bans and a freeze on their foreign assets.

 

Source:BBC