Mugabe birthday bash riles critics in drought-hit Zimbabwe
By MacDonald Dzirutwe MASVINGO, Zimbabwe (Reuters) – President Robert Mugabe marked his 92nd birthday at a nearly $1 million party organised by supporters in a drought-stricken area on Saturday, drawing criticism from opponents who said the celebrations were an affront to ordinary Zimbabweans. Mugabe, Zimbabwe's only leader since its independence from Britain in 1980, said no-one would starve as a result of a drought which has left three million people in need and prompted the declaration of a state of disaster in most rural areas. "If aid, as I undesterand, is to be given on the basis that we accept the principle of gay marriages, then let that aid stay were it is," Mugabe said during an hour-long speech.
