Tanzania president hails US Bush action on Darfur, Zimbabwe

August 30, 2008 (WASHINGTON) – US President George Bush had done more for Africa than any of his predecessors, the visiting Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete said last Friday and thanked Bush for his help in Darfur and Zimbabwe.

“You have done so much for Africa, so much for Tanzania. When you compare, no US president has done so much for Africa and for Tanzania as you have done,” Kikwete said.

The Tanzanian president who is the chairman of the African Union since last February praised Bush’s stand on two of the continent’s conflicts.

“Zimbabwe is a common problem. Darfur is a common problem. We are in the front line. And, of course, those of us who are in the front line always look to the rear to continue to support us,” he added.

The US president, who visited Tanzania in February, also assured the US public that “your money is being spent wisely and compassionately in Tanzania. And a lot of it has to do with the leadership of the president.”

Bush decided not to send troops to end what he called “genocide” in Sudan’s Darfur province, but has pressed the international community to deploy a UN-African Union hybrid peacekeeping force.

On Zimbabwe, Bush has expanded sanctions on what he branded in July Robert Mugabe’s “illegitimate” government and offered support to opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

(ST)