Mugabe's laugh comes last
- By Abduel Elinaza
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 1, 2014
Homosexuality is criminalized in almost 40 African states. It is punishable by death in four countries: Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan; and up to life imprisonment in Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zambia.
Only South Africa grants full marriage equality and constitutional protection against discrimination.
This has led Mugabe and a number of African states to look east, because China's assistance and investment are free from conditions. China, in most cases, seeks a win-win situation.
Yun Sun, a visiting fellow appointed by the Africa Growth Initiative, focusing on China's relations with Africa and U.S.-China cooperation on the continent, told brookings.edu that the visits mark renewed ties between China and Zimbabwe.
"So, for China, the controversy associated with Mugabe's status as a 'dictator' has now been greatly dispelled," Yun said, on the back of the 2013 general elections, which did not result in major disputes, instability or violence.
Chinese official statistics show that Zimbabwe was the number one recipient of Chinese investment among all African countries in 2013 while trade between the two countries more than doubled to US$1.1 billion between 2010 and 2013.
In 2011, China provided Zimbabwe with a US$700 million loan. The loan focused on agricultural development, machinery, medical care and water systems.
The loan was followed by another US$150 million to upgrade and expand the Victoria Falls International Airport in 2012. In 2013, China's Exim Bank extended a further US$319 million concessional loan for the expansion of Kariba Power Station.
Mugabe said Zimbabwe eyes more cooperation with China, as the country is committed to boosting its economy, upgrading its agriculture, industry, mining and infrastructure, and improving its people's living conditions.
President Xi committed to assisting Zimbabwe, saying Mugabe is a renowned African liberation leader and an "old friend" of the Chinese people.
Definitely, when he flew out of Beijing, Mugabe wore a broad smile, as how many Africa leaders have landed home from Washington with nine signed agreement in their pockets? China once again is a friend indeed.
The write is a journalist at Daily News, Tanzania.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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