Geldof to Mugabe: Get out
2005-03-11 19:32
London - Irish rocker Bob Geldof, the Live Aid founder and campaigner for debt relief, on Friday called Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe an "ageing creep" and criticised Uganda leader Yoweri Museveni for making a bid for a third presidency.
"Get out", Geldof said in a fiery message to Mugabe delivered at the London launch of a much-heralded report by the British-sponsored Commission for Africa.
The singer, formerly of the 1970s band the Boomtown Rats, is one of 17 commissioners who over the past year have put together far-reaching recommendations for African states and international donors on how to stem poverty and spur economic growth across the continent.
During a blue-ribbon launch led by Prime Minister Tony Blair, Geldof spiked his speech with invectives when describing Mugabe's long-time grip on his southern African state.
Museveni, who came to power in a coup d'etat in 1986 and is trying to ease presidential term limits to stand for a third term, should "give up", Geldof said, accusing the Ugandan of aiming at lifelong rule.
The commission's report, aimed to serve as a blueprint for action for the July summit of the G8 club of wealthiest nations, calls for 100% debt relief for poor sub-Saharan countries, and an extra $25bn annually for Africa until 2010.