BRUSSELS/HARARE, 12 October 2001: If Zimbabwe is to avoid total internal collapse and greater violence, with dangerous regional repercussions, the international community must apply strong, co-ordinated pressure on President Robert Mugabe immediately. It is time to freeze overseas assets held by Mr Mugabe, leaders of his ZANU-PF party and their families, and to impose personal visa restrictions on them. The postponement of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) following the 11 September terrorist attacks must not allow President Mugabe to believe that he is free to act because the world’s attention is elsewhere.
In a new briefing paper, Zimbabwe: Time for International Action, the International Crisis Group (ICG) says the government has already reneged on the terms of last month’s Abuja agreement with Commonwealth delegates, and has failed to address the concerns of SADC leaders about its worsening economy, the collapse of the rule of law, violence and instability. It shows no sign of permitting free and fair presidential elections in 2002.
Following a field mission to Zimbabwe last month, ICG confirms that farm invasions are escalating, thousands of farm workers are displaced and poverty is rising in urban and rural areas. By-elections have been rigged and marred by serious violence. Political appointments have compromised the judiciary, and intimidation and violence are being used to shackle what’s left of the independent media.
ICG’s Africa Program Co-Director John Prendergast said: “It’s time for the international community to impose “smart” sanctions on the ZANU-PF leadership, without increasing the suffering of the Zimbabwean people. Pressure is the only thing President Mugabe understands. Direct aid should also be offered to the opposition and civil society organisations.”
The first forum that could consider such action against Zimbabwe’s leadership is a meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers on 29 October. Zimbabwe is on the agenda – particularly unsuccessful EU efforts to engage President Mugabe’s government in serious consultations on human rights abuses under the Cotonou agreement that governs EU assistance. The European Parliament has already passed a resolution, on 6 September, calling for “visible and tangible action on President Mugabe and his close associates.” Meanwhile, the Bush administration is also considering action, as is the U.S. Congress.
The African-led Commonwealth and SADC initiatives further increased the demands on President Mugabe to change tactics. SADC effectively gave Mugabe one month to address the land crisis or face isolation.
ICG’s John Prendergast said: “President Mugabe has ignored undertakings given at Abuja, and SADC’s requests. Promises to allow European and Commonwealth delegations to visit Zimbabwe have been broken. Any further delay in international action will only allow the government to continue doing whatever is necessary to stay in power. Zimbabwe’s neighbours and international friends must act – quickly.”

Contacts: Katy Cronin or Sascha Pichler at ICG Brussels, tel +32-2-536 00 64 or 70, [email protected]
All ICG reports are available on our website www.crisisweb.org.