Last week, President Robert Mugabe appealed to the international community - read Britain, the European Union and the United States - to give financial support to the new inclusive government in Harare. This was backed up by South Africa’s minister of finance, Trevor Manuel, who said the donor community should inject cash urgently into Zimbabwe’s treasury rather than giving it to humanitarian agencies.

Britain spends about £45 million annually on humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe, but because of rampant government corruption this is channelled through NGOs. In his appeal Mugabe asked for £3,5 billion. He addressed his remarks to “friends of Zimbabwe” who he said should come to our aid. All along Mugabe has maintained that Britain is our enemy – and wants to re-colonise Zimbabwe. For years he has told successive British prime ministers to go to hell, while praising the Russians, the Chinese and other Asian governments as our friends. But their solidarity has not translated into cash and he has now turned to his enemies for financial assistance.

The Americans were very quick in their response:"We have not yet seen sufficient evidence that they are on a path to inclusive and effective governance as well as respect for human rights and the rule of law," said state department spokesman Robert Wood.The west is sceptical about the inclusive government, and rightly so, as Mugabe’s actions and words have consistently failed to demonstrate that there is a new dispensation in Zimbabwe.

Chaotic and often violent farm invasions continue – spurred on by government ministers. Oppressive laws are still on the statue books. Peaceful gathering of women continue to be disrupted by baton wielding police. Political prisoners are still being held in custody. MDC supporters are still missing, having been kidnapped by government forces. The much-despised governor of the Reserve Bank, Gideon Gono, still occupies his post and cannot be trusted to look after donated funds in a responsible manner.

Once these and many other outstanding issues have been cleared up, and only then, should the international community heed the many desperate calls for en end to targeted measures against Mugabe and his cronies – no matter who they come from. Then and only then should aid begin to flow.

Mugabe should also learn the basic rule of not insulting those to whom he extends his begging bowl.