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Democracy and Governance in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is now in its fifth consecutive year of severe economic
contraction, precipitated by a political crisis that has embroiled the country since 1997 and aggravates an
already worrying social context. Zimbabwe’s hopes for economic and social recovery lie with a
comprehensive approach that includes the restoration of the rule of law and the reintroduction of sound
monetary and fiscal policies. The protracted impasse in Zimbabwe’s political arena, however, is setting up
the country for a prolonged recovery process. Despite efforts by key players to broker negotiations
between the ruling party and the major opposition party, the political stalemate continues and the
government has continued to suppress, directly or indirectly, any form of dissent from the opposition
party, independent press, the labor movement, or civil society.
Zimbabwe's once robust social services are collapsing in the face of the economic crisis, the AIDS
epidemic, and an alarmingly large exodus of the country's educated professionals. Zimbabwe has one of
the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world (24.6% of all adults). Life expectancy dropped from 61
years in 1990 to 34 years in 2002. Infant mortality is 76 per 1,000 live births; and under-five child mortality
is 123 per 1,000 live births.
The U.S. Government’s national interests in Zimbabwe are to restore democratic legitimacy and foster
free and fair elections; prevent further deterioration of the political/economic situation and its detrimental
regional impact; strengthen prospects for stability by fortifying civil society and democratic institutions; and
mount an effective response to both the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the humanitarian crisis.
(Excerpted from the 2005 Congressional Budget Justification for Zimbabwe)
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