British Government Reiterates Pledge to Fund Genuine Land Reform Program in Zimbabwe

Strategic Insights -

The British government has reiterated its commitment to funding a land reform program in Zimbabwe, but stressed that it must be carried out within the rule of law. This pledge was made by British Foreign Minister of State for African Affairs Peter Hain in response to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders meeting held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Hain stated that the British government had been waiting since 1998 for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to pick up a sale and reform program and fair elections, within the rule of law. The 1998 program had been committed to by the donor community, including Britain and the European Union, at the 1998 Donors Conference in Harare.

Key Takeaways:

  • The British government has pledged to fund a genuine land reform program in Zimbabwe, but within the rule of law.
  • The program was originally committed to in 1998 by the donor community, including Britain and the European Union.
  • British Foreign Minister of State for African Affairs Peter Hain stated that the British government had been waiting since 1998 for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to implement the program.
  • South African President Thabo Mbeki and Mozambican President Joachim Chissano emphasized the importance of fair elections and the need to avoid violence in the land reform process.
  • The SADC leaders meeting, held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, focused on a genuine land reform program.
  • The British government will discuss the program with the Zimbabwean delegation in London next Thursday.

Statistics:

  • The 1998 Donors Conference in Harare committed the donor community to funding a land resettlement program.
  • The British government has been waiting since 1998 for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to implement a sale and reform program and fair elections.
  • The Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders meeting was held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Sources:

  • XINHUA News Agency (April 22)
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)