/ 24 March 2001

EX-DICTATOR GETS PERMANENT ZIM RESIDENCY

THE Zimbabwe government has granted permanent residence to Ethiopia’s former dictator, Mengistu Haile Mariam, who has been exiled in the country for nearly 10 years. Mengistu, whom Addis Ababa wants extradited to face charges of genocide and crimes against humanity back home, now enjoys permanent residence in Zimbabwe along with seven members of his family. Zimbabwe sponsors Mengistu’s upkeep in a swank government villa and provides him with security. – AFP