Robert Mugabe tells the world to give Donald Trump a chance

President of Zimbabwe says he has no issues with the US leader's nationalism

Robert Mugabe (Reuters)

Robert Mugabe has claimed he has similarities with US President Donald Trump.

The President of Zimbabwe said he had no issue with Mr Trump’s American nationalism and had the same view about his own country.

The 93-year-old also said the US President should be given a chance to prove he was a good leader and his policies should be given time.

"I do not know, give him time," he said.

He did however say that he had not expected the business tycoon to beat Hilary Clinton in the presidential election.

“I was surprised by his election, but I did not like Madam Clinton to win either,” Mr Mugabe told ZBCTv, the Herald reported.

“…When it comes to Donald Trump, on the one hand talking of American nationalism, well America for America, America for Americans – on that we agree. Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans.”

Mr Mugabe also added that he was ready to work with Mr Trump and that he hoped the 45th president would restore good relations between the US and Zimbabwe.

Since 2001 Zimbabwe has been under sanctions which cut the country’s lines of credit from multi-lateral lending institutions.

The move is thought to have cost Zimbabwe more than $42 billion and Mr Mugabe is hoping Mr Trump will overturn the ruling.

“Mr Trump may even re-look the sanctions on Zimbabwe,” he said.

“…Indeed Obama did that [impose sanctions] just before he left. Why did he have to do it? ...Why didn’t he leave it to the incoming indumbent to make his own decision? We are just now under sanctions imposed not by Donald Trump but by Obama. What arrogance is that?”