Africa Action, the oldest human rights organization focused exclusively on Africa, celebrates the introduction of the Zimbabwe Renewal Act of 2010 (H.R. 5971) in the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Congressmen Payne, and cosponsored by over 35 members of Congress, the new legislation aims to bring about a major shift in U.S. policy that is significant to the democratic transition in Zimbabwe and aligns with the latest political and economic developments on the ground.
Gerald LeMelle, executive director of Africa Action said, "This is a promising day for everyone who supports democracy and development in Zimbabwe. The new legislation is a major step forward for the people of Zimbabwe."
Africa Action, in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Alliance - a collaboration of like-minded partners working within a human rights framework to promote a successful democratic transition in Zimbabwe, has been working to bring about such a policy shift in the U.S. government.
Michael Stulman, associate director for policy and communications added, "The House of Representatives and Senate must work together now in light of the opportunity that exists to build robust democratic institutions and strengthen democratic actors in Zimbabwe."
Key provisions of the Zimbabwe Renewal Act of 2010 include:
- Establishing a multi-donor human rights trust fund and support crucial sectors, like health care, education, agriculture, clean water and an emergency vocational work program for youth in Zimbabwe
- Instructing the Secretary of the Treasury to forgive Zimbabwe's bilateral debt, and in consultation with the Secretary of State, gather information on the feasibility and advisability of restructuring, rescheduling, or eliminating such debt in the future
- Maintaining targeted sanctions against individuals who continue to undermine the democratic processes and review and update existing sanctions to reflect changing conditions on the ground
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If any; let the reality being seen, and let the doors of progressive and opportunities open to Zimbabweans without any string or divisive policies attach.
The 'Zimbabwe Renewal Act of 2010' and the one before it (Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA)) are Acts that imposes sanctions on the people of Zimbabwe and therefore are unwelcome. Not even the inclusion of nice words in this Act will make it anything else than a sanctions Act.
America is missing a very important point - they are not the policeman of this world and they should know that. The regime in Washington should NEVER give itself such a role because it will be taught a very good lesson. History should have taught them the evilness of interfering in the internal affairs of small, poor and weak sovereign countries.
Vietnam, Nicaragua, Cuba and Venezuela and now Zimbabwe and Iran as well as North Korea are some of the many examples of the evilness of this country and from which it should have learnt its lessons. But alas, it seems not to want to learn and may never learn until those dying in foreign lands rise up and change these regimes.
ZRA is not acceptable and will NEVER be. The people of Zimbabwe have NEVER and will NEVER accept being told what to do and how to do what they want to do in their own country. Not even the inclusion of 'forgiving' "Zimbabwe's bilateral debt" will make us see this as anything else than a sanctions act meant to punish us for daring to take our heritage - THE LAND OF MADZIBAHWE.
takunya, I totally agree with you that the United States should totally leave you Zimbabweans alone; not try to forgive your debts, not assist you financially monetary or otherwise and leave you to drown in your own waste if that occurs. You are right after all that is what independence is all bout - sailing or sinking one's own ship. There are many disabled and poor people in America that the billions of dollars America spends aiding Africa can be used in its own country and besides, that would be the American people's tax dollars working for their nation. Well said takunya.
Kjrs120;
Although you are sarcastically saying it, that is the truth of the matter - we do not need their filthy lucre, they can keep it and give it to poor Americans. Not only that; why should they forgive "our debt" when we are capable of paying back what we borrowed? The only thing that is required is for them and other western imperialists to allow us to trade freely.
Just recently they were all knowing; the regimes of Obama and Cameron were fighting to bar us from selling our diamonds. Why? Because they are jealous of us - they want us to remain beggars when we have enough resources to fend for ourselves. They should just leave us alone to do our own things the way we see it fit.
Is America assisting us by establishing a so-called "stand-by force" in Africa? We do not need them, they should know that. Have we said we are incapable of defending ourselves?
Nobody has gone to them asking for American troops that have a long history of indiscriminately massacring innocent civilians in other countries - nuclear bomb in Japan (Hiroshima and Nagasaki); agent orange and other biological weapons in Vietnam; white phosphorous in Iraq and Gaza; cluster bombs in Gaza, Iraq and Afghanistan; and unmanned drones in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Takunya, once again well said. Of course Obama and Cameron are "jealous" of ZImbabwe. Just see all the accomplishments you have made in your 30 years of independence - far surpassing both those nations what with your diamonds and all other wealth. Keep up the good work.
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