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Zimbabwe| Southern Africa
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Negotiating Zimbabwe's Transition

Zimbabwe’s March elections have deepened the country’s political and economic crises. The policies, corruption and repressive governance of President Robert Mugabe – in power for 28 years - and his ruling ZANU-PF-party bear primary responsibility for the severe economic slide, growing public discontent and international isolation of the country. By April 2008, the annual inflation rate was over 165,000%, the world’s highest. Unemployment is over 85%, poverty over 90%, and foreign reserves almost depleted. Over four million people are in desperate need of food. HIV/AIDS and malnutrition kill thousands every month. In the context of rapidly declining living standards, the government launched "Operation Murambatsvina" in 2005 to forcibly clear urban slums. The operation deprived more than 18% of the population of homes or livelihoods and badly damaged the informal sector, the lifeline for many urban poor. Up to a third of the population is thought to have fled the country and remittances from the growing diaspora have become the lifeline for many remaining.

On 29 March 2008, Zimbabwe held combined presidential and parliamentary elections already flawed by pre-poll manipulation. Despite the skewed playing field, Zimbabwe’s people clearly signaled their rejection of a status quo characterised by political repression and economic decay. For the first time, ZANU-PF lost control of parliament to the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Results of the all-important presidential elections – withheld for over a month – gave MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai 47.9% against 43.2% for Mugabe, warranting a run-off. The resurgent Tsvangirai claimed outright victory over the 84-year old president but has indicated he would contest an internationally supervised second round. Though gravely weakened, Mugabe and his hardline supporters show few signs of accepting defeat, launching a countrywide campaign of violence and intimidation.

Our reports on Zimbabwe are listed below, starting with the most recent. You can also search for relevant reports using the search box in the top right hand side of this page.

Articles, op-eds, speeches and media releases can be found under the media section.

Click here for a more detailed history of the country/conflict.

Negotiating Zimbabwe's Transition   Visit our Zimbabwe advocacy page


Recent reports & briefings


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