Foreign relations of Zimbabwe

Since early 2000, militants loyal to Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party have invaded over one-thousand six- hundred white-owned farms. The government has targeted more than four-thousand five hundred other farm properties -- ninety percent of privately-owned farms -- for confiscation. Zanu-PF militants have also targeted private businesses, manufacturers, and non-governmental organizations. Hundreds of businesses have been shut down or had their operations disrupted. The resulting breakdown in law and order has led many nations to freeze aid and loans to Zimbabwe.

The often-violent farm and business takeovers have seriously disrupted Zimbabwe's economy. Significant shortages of food are forecast. Production of tobacco -- one of Zimbabwe's most important crops -- has been severely reduced. Revenues from tourism have dropped dramatically. Foreign investors are staying away.

Mr. Mugabe describes the government's land seizures as "our last struggle for the de-colonization of our country and our continent." They are nothing of the sort. Indeed, the land seizures are against Zimbabwe's own laws. The takeovers have been repeatedly declared illegal by the Zimbabwe’s own courts.

The truth is that President Mugabe is using the land seizures to try to bolster his waning support. He wants to be seen as the savior of poor and landless black Zimbabweans. But he is, instead, presiding over the breakdown of his country's social and political institutions.

The blame for the political and economic crisis now confronting Zimbabwe must be laid squarely at the feet of Zanu-PF and President Mugabe.

See also : Zimbabwe