Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is in a difficult political, social and economic situation. The country is still in a transitional period in terms of political processes and development work. Even though the financial situation has stabilized and is moving in the right direction, there is a long way to go before the country’s population can enjoy a life with normal rights and liberty.

President Robert Mugabe with his ZANU-PF party has been in power since the country’s independence in 1980, but the general elections held in 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2008 have all been characterized by unrest, manipulation and political violence. Following serious election fraud and political instability in connection with the 2008 elections, in September 2008 the main political parties agreed to establish a government of national unity comprising the parties ZANU-PF, MDC-T and the smaller MDC fraction. The coalition government is intended to be an interim solution while the country develops a constitution which will then be approved and lead to a new election.

There is, however, still a high level of conflict. Cases of human rights violations and persecution of the opposition are reported regularly. Due to the difficult political situation, Norway has prioritised support to internally displaced persons.

The Norwegian focus:

• Humanitarian assistance
• HIV and AIDS
• Good governance and democracy
• Women and gender equality
• Human rights
• Media and culture

 The Norwegian support is channelled through the UN, the World Bank, and Norwegian and Zimbabwean non-governmental organisations. In addition Norway has provided transitional support to the education sector and the health sector and to the distribution of intermediate assistance to small-scale farmers.

Women and gender equality

The fight for gender equality in Zimbabwe is twofold. 80 per cent of Zimbabwean women can read and write, and the country’s education level is among the highest on the continent. The authorities have introduced appropriate legislation to secure women’s rights. However, the laws are often not followed, and tradition and culture have a great impact on women’s everyday life. Women are systematically oppressed at home and in society, especially in rural areas. However, an increasing number of women and organisations working for women’s rights are now raising their voices in the political movement. Women and gender equality continue to be a priority area, and Norway has focused on work to improve the general conditions for women. Training of female leaders at district level is an important part for the Norwegian support channelled through non-governmental organisations.

Humanitarian assistance

Norway increased humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe by NOK 10 million to 30 million in 2010. Despite increased grain production in 2009, up to 2.5 million people needed food assistance in 2010.

Norway’s decision to increase humanitarian support to Zimbabwe was based on a request from the UN relief coordinator. The support was primarily used in food security projects and was channelled through organisations such as the Red Cross, Norwegian People’s Aid, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Save the Children and Médecins Sans Frontières. These organisations have long-term commitments in Zimbabwe and already have procedures for project implementation and monitoring systems to reduce the risk of misuse of funds.

 Democracy building

Norway has contributed to building democracy in Zimbabwe by actively supporting a dialogue and reconciliation process and by strengthening pro-reform forces in the country. Much of this work is carried out through non-governmental organisations. Norwegian support has contributed to the establishment of a Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC), which facilitates a closer political dialogue between the three coalition government parties.  This support has created an extended platform for dialogue between the three parties, and enabled the parties to arrange common popular meetings in rural areas. The Norwegian support to civil society actors has mainly gone through local organisations working to promote good governance, democracy building, peace and reconciliation, human rights, a free media and culture. A new priority area in 2010 was support for the initial work on security sector reform. This is an important topic in the political agreement between the coalition government parties.

Along with other partners, the Norwegian Embassy has participated in political talks with South African authorities, attempting to map out a solution to the political problems in Zimbabwe. The process is still in a start-up phase.

A driving force for the multi-donor fund

Norway has provided transitional assistance through common funding mechanisms contributing in the fields of medicines and services for HIV/AIDS patients, textbook printing, distribution of intermediate goods in the agricultural sector, implementation of the constitution process, and professional economic development analysis. Towards the end of the year, the multi-donor fund for infrastructure was established, under the management of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Throughout the year, Norway was a driving force behind the establishment of this fund, contributing in the assessment of cooperation possibilities, selection of initial prioritized sectors, and in conducting the final negotiations with AfDB. In 2010, Norway was the third largest contributor to this fund.

 Culture

Norway has extensive cultural cooperation with Zimbabwe, and Norwegian support to various cultural institutions has been important for the country’s cultural sector.

The political protest performance ”Election Day” was staged in the Theatre in the Park in Harare Gardens with support from Norway. The internationally acclaimed art festival ”Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA)” takes place in this park every year, and ”Election Day” was part of the training of young stage directors. Considering the political climate in the country, the actors staging the performance, demonstrated great courage.

One of Zimbabwe’s leading film and theatre institutions, Rooftop Promotions, also receives support from Norway. Daves Guzha, the manager, expressed his gratitude to Norway in this way:

“The Norwegian people have always been helpful, and without their support, theatre as an art form in Zimbabwe would have been dead by now.”