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The Global Political Agreement between the two main parties in Zimbabwe was a significant step towards political stability. It resulted in the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) which has initiated welcome recovery in the economy. However, the political situation remains fragile. The prospect of free and fair elections taking place, with the result accepted by all sides, still seems unlikely. Zimbabwe also faces enormous challenges on governance, respect for human rights and delivery of basic services. DFID says that the ZANU-PF regime reacted to the country's decline "with electoral manipulation, abuse of state power and increasing intimidation of political opponents and civil society". We agree with this assessment.
Zimbabwe will need the long-term support of the international community. Much remains to be done to rebuild the economy, including normalising relations with the international financial institutions. The livelihoods of millions of people have been destroyed by the collapse of the agricultural sector. Migration and displacement have resulted in the loss of vast numbers of skilled workers, including health professionals and teachers, exacerbating the decline of health and education.
The countries in Southern Africa which are Zimbabwe's neighbours are best-placed to assist in its political progress and economic recovery, particularly South Africa. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) brokered the Global Political Agreement. It must continue to support Zimbabwe's progress. The mediation of the South African President is a vital part of this support.
The collapse of the economy led to a humanitarian crisis. Although the situation has improved, two million people are estimated to require food aid this year. The UK Department for International Development (DFID) has provided vital humanitarian assistance and this will continue to be necessary for the next few years. However, DFID should work towards a smooth transition to longer-term development assistance as conditions improve. DFID has already demonstrated an innovative and effective approach to this transition through its Protracted Relief Programme (PRP). Its success is evident in the number of other donors who have decided to direct their resources to the second phase of the PRP.
The challenges in the health sector are clear: life expectancy rates are amongst the lowest in the world; maternal and child mortality rates are particularly worrying; and HIV/AIDS is a massive problem. Continued donor support is needed to restore Zimbabwe's health services to the capability and capacity they had 20 years ago, when they were amongst the best in Africa. This is also true of education where a lack of teachers has resulted in a sharp decline in the number of children who are in school and the quality of provision they receive.
The plight of Zimbabwe's children, many of whom have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, is a serious international concern. Many are being cared for in extended families and are vulnerable to abuse and deprivation. Communities are left to care for orphans with very little financial or other support. DFID's Programme of Support has been effective in rescuing thousands of children from dire living conditions and ensuring they are fed and educated. Psychosocial support is available to try to reduce the damage done by their experiences. DFID should ensure that this area of its work continues to be a priority.
Many of DFID's programmes are implemented by non-governmental organisations which are making a significant contribution to providing basic services and supporting the country's progress. The main mechanisms for delivering UK aid should remain joint programmes with other bilateral and multilateral donors, in co-operation with partners from civil society and local communities.
Zimbabwe's recovery will not only benefit its own people but neighbouring countries and the wider international community. The UK should continue to provide substantial support. The international community's longer-term focus should be on strengthening the capacity of the Government of National Unity so that it is better placed to determine its own development priorities and to deliver them. For this to happen, the rights of all parties to function without intimidation must be implemented in practice. It also requires a willingness within all elements of the Government to meet the needs of the people, especially the poor. Continuing political violence and harassment is incompatible with this.
Progress on human rights and democracy needs to be demonstrated before all the EU's restrictive measures placed on named individuals and organisations can be lifted. In the meantime, donors need to continue to provide humanitarian and development assistance. DFID has shown leadership amongst donor partners, evidenced by their willingness to support effective DFID programmes. It should continue to innovate and identify development priorities.
The nature and scale of DFID's future engagement in Zimbabwe should reflect the level of need and the capacity for this assistance to be absorbed. Its continued support must be based on strong co-ordination with development partners and alignment of its approach with the pro-poor elements of the Government's own policies.
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