Africa's reaction to Mugabe should make us think very carefully before giving aid

The South African Development Community (SADC) have predictably rallied around Mugabe and resisted sanctions against his regime. As Zimbabwe descends even further into the abyss, western donors should consider very carefully how they go about giving aid to Africa.

Whilst Mugabe has destroyed his country, his neighbours have refused to utter even a word of protest, African solidarity matters more to them than anything. Zimbabwe was supposed to be Africa's great hope. If Africa's leaders are prepared to stand by and let Zimbabwe fail, what hope is there for the rest of the continent?

How is debt relief going to help when half of Africa is run by thieving dictators and the other half turns a blind eye?