Just days after President Museveni sucked himself into the ongoing verbal rattling between liberals and conservatives over new US President Donald Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, by penning a missive proposing a middle ground in the divisive international politics, his longtime compatriot and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe also says he agrees with US President Donald Trump’s “America for Americans” policy.
President Museveni in the missive, extensively delved into West versus East divide, illustrating how Africa comes into the picture and similarly in his first comments on Mr Trump’s presidency, Mr Mugabe said he was surprised by his election victory, but he did not “like Madam Clinton to win either”, referring to defeated Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton.
“But anyway when it comes to Donald Trump talking of American nationalism… America for Americans – on that we agree. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans,” Mr Mugabe said, in excerpts of an interview published in the state-owned Herald newspaper.
He added that Mr Trump should be given a chance to prove himself.
“I do not know. Give him time. Mr Trump may even re-look sanctions on Zimbabwe,” Mr Mugabe said.
Mr Mugabe’s full interview is to be broadcast on state television tonight to coincide with his 93rd birthday tomorrow.
Mr Mugabe also said that he would continue to rule, as most people felt there was no acceptable replacement for him.
He has been nominated by Zanu-PF as its candidate in next year’s presidential election.
Mr Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.
