Dec. 9 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush called on Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, to step down and he vowed to help that African nation rebuild.

“As my administration has made clear, it is time for Robert Mugabe to go,” the U.S. president said in a statement released by the White House. “Across the continent, African voices are bravely speaking out to say now is the time for him to step down.”

European Union governments widened financial and travel sanctions on top Zimbabwe figures, joining former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in trying to push Mugabe aside after a 28-year rule.

To contact the reporter on this story: Edwin Chen in Washington at EChen32@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 9, 2008 10:09 EST