Zimbabwe inflation to 10 percent by end of year?
There is a lot that was audaciously optimistic about Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s plea today for $5 billion to restart the country’s troubled economy. He seemed confident that donors would trust his government to dole out aid. He asked for assistance in the area of “governance” (while opposition activists were being simultaneously disappeared). Wackiest of ...
There is a lot that was audaciously optimistic about Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's plea today for $5 billion to restart the country's troubled economy. He seemed confident that donors would trust his government to dole out aid. He asked for assistance in the area of "governance" (while opposition activists were being simultaneously disappeared). Wackiest of all was a claim than Zimbabwe's can cut its 230 million percent inflation rate to just 10 (no million) percent in just a few months.
If only it were all so easy. Apparently not yielding to Mugabe's assesment of sanctions on his regime as "inhumane, cruel, and unwarranted," at least one donor -- the United States -- has already rejected the calls for aid. "We have not yet seen sufficient evidence from the government of Zimbabwe that they are firmly and irrevocably on a path to inclusive and effective governance as well as respect for human rights and the rule of law," U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Wood said today.
There is a lot that was audaciously optimistic about Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s plea today for $5 billion to restart the country’s troubled economy. He seemed confident that donors would trust his government to dole out aid. He asked for assistance in the area of “governance” (while opposition activists were being simultaneously disappeared). Wackiest of all was a claim than Zimbabwe’s can cut its 230 million percent inflation rate to just 10 (no million) percent in just a few months.
If only it were all so easy. Apparently not yielding to Mugabe’s assesment of sanctions on his regime as “inhumane, cruel, and unwarranted,” at least one donor — the United States — has already rejected the calls for aid. “We have not yet seen sufficient evidence from the government of Zimbabwe that they are firmly and irrevocably on a path to inclusive and effective governance as well as respect for human rights and the rule of law,” U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Wood said today.
As to fixing the economy — the country needs a miracle as much as it does $5 billion. Even the government is running on fumes — cigarette fumes, to be specific. As Finance Minister Tendai Biti told CNN, “indirect taxes made up of customs and excise duty have contributed 88 percent of government revenue, which means that the government has been literally sustained by beer and cigarettes.” In such a state, and amid a global financial crisis, Zimbabwe is unlikely to find much support from its neighbor for adopting the South African Rand. No wonder Mugabe conceded the finance ministry to the opposition in this coalition government.
All this creates a devil of a conundrum. To be certain, Zimbabwe needs help and lots of it. The country and its people are in a desperate state. But perhaps first, Zimbabwean policymakers need a reality check.
DESMOND KWANDE/AFP/Getty Images
Elizabeth Dickinson is International Crisis Group’s senior analyst for Colombia.
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
