afrol News, 4 December - With regional and international leaders losing patience with Zimbabwe's political stalemate, Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, has called on African leaders to oust Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe accusing him of not being committed to resolving long dragging political crisis.

Mr Odinga said Mr Mugabe has not shown a sign of commitment to power sharing deal which he had signed in September this year.

Prime Minister Odinga who met the Zimababwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai today, said deal would not work if Mr Mugabe does not believe in power sharing. Under the deal, Mr Mugabe would retain his presidency while Mr Tsvangirai would become Zimbabwean Prime Minister.

"I do believe strongly that if the leadership in South Africa took a firm stand and told Mugabe to quit he will have no choice but to do so," the Kenyan PM said.

He said increased pressure on Mr Mugabe would leave him a little choice but to resign as president of Zimbabwe.

Mr Odinga's statement is one of the few open criticism on Mr Mugabe by African leaders, after Botswana's President Ian Khama, also showed discontent with delaying diplomatic schemes to drive Zimbabwe's leadership out of current crisis. He had called for a clear amd fair reelection, that would decided the winner.

Meanwhile South Africa's government has called an urgent ministerial meeting on the food and health crisis in Zimbabwe.

Government spokesman Themba Maseko on Thursday said South Africa and SADC could not just stand by and do nothing when "people are beginning to die of starvation."

"President Kgalema Motlanthe is expected to meet with ministers to look at how South Africa could work with neighbouring countries, donors and aid agencies to address "the urgent need for food and other humanitarian needs," Mr Maseko said.

Mr Tsvangirai won the presidential election in March but did not have outright majority to avoid a run off in June. However he pulled out of the race saying he could not go to elections while his supporters were victimized.

Mr Mugabe's 28 year rule has seen one Southern African breadbasket turns into shambles. The collapse of Zimbabwean economy has left thousands without clean water and poor sanitation. Zimabbwe has highest inflation of more than 231 million percent has left ordinary citizens struggling to eat and find clean water supply.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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