U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Assistant Secretary for African Affairs

Testimony Before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs
Walter H. Kansteiner, III
Washington, DC
June 28, 2001

Topic: Zimbabwe's Political and Economic Crisis

Thank you for inviting me to testify today on Zimbabwe. I would like to briefly outline what the Administration believes is happening in that country, and why Zimbabwe matters to the United States and the region.

After more than 20 years as Zimbabwe's leader, President Robert Mugabe remains in power. The ruling party and its supporters have put significant pressure on the independent media, the judiciary, elements of civil society, and the political opposition to counter any activities which threaten ZANU-PF's grip on power. The result has been a significant deterioration in Zimbabwe's human rights record, a breakdown in the rule of law, a furthering of Zimbabwe's economic collapse, and a negative impact throughout southern Africa. This intense political pressure not only has affects in Zimbabwe, but all of Zimbabwe's neighbors are experiencing reverberations, as foreign investors stay away from the southern African region.

The blame for the political and economic crisis now confronting Zimbabwe must be laid squarely at the feet of ZANU-PF and President Mugabe. Our message to President Mugabe and his government must be consistent and clear: while the United States desires open and friendly relations with Zimbabwe, we cannot have normal relations until the violence and intimidation are ended, and the rule of law is restored. We believe these are the necessary first steps to get Zimbabwe on the road to economic recovery and political stability. We have, from time to time, seen some efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe to improve its image, but the real test of Zimbabwe's commitment to political openness will come in the months ahead, as Zimbabwe prepares for elections in early 2002.

The current crisis in Zimbabwe has its roots in many areas. Broadly speaking, poor fiscal policies and rampant government spending -- including the cost of Zimbabwe's military involvement in the Congo -- set the stage for the present economic meltdown. Due in large part to an illegal and chaotic "fast track" land reform program pursued by the government, the agricultural sector has been badly disrupted, and the country's economic woes may be accompanied later this year by a significant food shortage.

The coming year will be pivotal for Zimbabwe's future. The presidential election -- if conducted in a free and fair manner -- would further Zimbabwe's emergence as a true multiparty democracy, no matter who wins. The United States must be clear on this point: it is up to Zimbabweans themselves to decide who will govern them, and they must be given the opportunity to choose freely. Unfortunately, statements by ZANU-PF officials that they will never allow another party to take office, the ongoing violence and intimidation, and significant electoral irregularities in previous elections all raise legitimate concerns.

Zimbabwe matters to the United States. Zimbabwe is a country of great potential with a good institutional infrastructure including a constitution, checks and balances between parliament, judiciary and executive, a competent civil service, and a strong independent media. Under the proper circumstances, Zimbabwe could prove an engine of growth for the region, helping itself and its poorer neighbors confront the HIV/AIDS pandemic, widespread poverty, and other social ills with less foreign assistance. Zimbabwe is blessed with significant natural and human resources, and if effective economic and business plans were permitted to be drawn-up and enacted, Zimbabwe's economy would experience impressive growth. Zimbabwe's continuing decline will witness continuing outflows of people seeking to escape Zimbabwe's economic and political crisis, a continuing decline in investment in the region, and greater instability throughout southern Africa.

The United States must stand ready to assist Zimbabwe when circumstances allow. Together with other donors, there is much we can do once Zimbabwe begins to implement appropriate policies. We can help Zimbabwe resolve its long-standing problem regarding the inequitable distribution of land, a legitimate problem which ZANU-PF has, unfortunately, exacerbated for political ends, but an issue which must be addressed, regardless of which political party may hold office.

The United States can encourage renewed engagement with Zimbabwe by international financial institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, helping restore macroeconomic stability and growth in the country. And we can look at our own bilateral assistance programs to determine how best we can help the government and people of Zimbabwe turn their country back from the brink and restore Zimbabwe's promise as a bastion of economic and political stability in Africa.

At this point, however, the ball is very much in President Mugabe's court. I believe it is incumbent upon the Administration to work closely with Congress in efforts to persuade President Mugabe and his party to allow for an open and fair electoral process, permitting the Zimbabwe body politic to determine the country's course.

Thank you.

END