In response to the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, the United States is planning to provide the country with $600,000 in assistance.
Zimbabwe has already called a national emergency as it deals with the outbreak of cholera. However, there is the inevitable outbreak of anthrax that threatens the country’s cattle. In turn, the outbreak of
anthrax will threaten the people of Zimbabwe as well. Mugabe’s administration had called forth for international help.
At this moment, Zimbabwe’s government is ill-funded and ill-equipped to fight the cholera outbreak. Current Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has been blamed for the current stage of the country’s economy. Then South African President Thabo Mbeki has been harshly criticized for his role in handling the negotiation talks between Mugabe and MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
The death toll related to the cholera outbreak has climbed over five-hundred. In the near future, the death toll could near one-thousand. South Africa is already dealing with an influx of Zimbabweans illegally entering through its borders.
The United States is going to provide
$600K to Zimbabwe to fight the crisis. So far, there is not enough money to pay for medical staff or for the needed medicines.
So far, Mugabe and Tsvangirai have yet to agree on how to share power.
However, there is a concern that should be addressed. The election year in Zimbabwe was very controversial and violent. Most of the blame has been directed towards Mugabe. But, Mugabe said it was a Western conspiracy to remove him from power. He accused Tsvangirai of being a puppet for the Western nations.
Nearing the runoff election, Tsvangirai had dropped out of the race out of concern of violence against fellow MDC members.
One question must be asked: Will Mugabe’s government use the $600K to fight cholera, or will those in the administration pocket the money for themselves?
In addition: How will that $600K be spent?
Despite the current state of Zimbabwe, there is that one possibility that should be addressed.
Also what should be asked is: Will Mugabe and Tsvangirai come into an agreement in time to stop the cholera outbreak?
There is still the looming threat of the outbreak in anthrax.
Also, this could spell out as one of the first international challenges that US President-elect Barack Obama must face when he takes the US Presidency on January 20, 2009.
