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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Donations Dry Up for Mugabe's 85th Birthday Bash

Unity government reduces Zanu-PF's ability to intimidate

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(Newser) – Celebrations are underway in Zimbabwe this week to honor President Robert Mugabe’s 85th birthday, but the country's economic crisis, cholera epidemic, and shifting balance of power have dried up donations for the usually over-the-top festivities, the Times of London reports. Officials of his Zanu-PF party aimed to raise $300,000 for an official party this weekend, but farmers and businessmen have found the courage to spurn thuggish officials demanding donations.

With opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai now prime minister, the Times adds, Mugabe also received only five pages of obsequious birthday messages in the Herald newspaper, off from 16 last year. Officials from Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic change now run many of the agencies that previously sent greetings.

In this Jan. 26, 2009, file photo Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe looks on before the start of the Extra-Ordinary Summit at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, South Africa.
In this Jan. 26, 2009, file photo Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe looks on before the start of the Extra-Ordinary Summit at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, South Africa.   (AP Photo)
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, left, and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai are seated during a photo session in Harare, Feb. 19, 2009.
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, left, and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai are seated during a photo session in Harare, Feb. 19, 2009.   (AP Photo)
President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe speaks to the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 25, 2008 in New York.
President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe speaks to the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 25, 2008 in New York.   (Getty Images)
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We are operating on a shoestring budget. Even without a single cent, the celebrations will go on.
- Absalom Sikhosana, head of the Zanu-PF youth league

As Mugabe throws parties for his 85th birthday, one in ten children in his country are destined to die before their fifth birthday.
- Save the Children, charity, on Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
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4 comments
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DarkFrancis
Feb 23, 09 2:19 PM CST
Maybe they could raise the money by turning people upside down & shaking them. If that fails they could always have a huge celebratory bonfire made of Zimbabweans. Reply
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Mr.C
Feb 23, 09 3:43 PM CST
what?
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Observer
Feb 23, 09 2:44 PM CST
Why don't they stage a big fake party where the Mugabe cronies all show up and get arrested - like cops do here in America. A free toaster for all of lucky "winners". Mugabe needs to disappear. Reply
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Beer_King
Feb 23, 09 4:27 PM CST
What a wonderful idea there Observer. Good thinking! Reply
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