- 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.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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