Posted on August 30, 2008 - by Frank

Zimbabwe Ban on NGO’s Lifted

Just prior to the second round of presidential voting in Zimbabwe, NGO’s (Non Governmental Organisations - aid organisations) were banned from the country with anti government bias being cited as the reason for the ban. This and the nation’s dire economic situation has resulted in around two million people being in critical need of food assistance.

Thankfully, just hours ago that ban was lifted and relevant organisations were able to begin assessing the situation and they have been able to begin plans to provide assistance to those most in need.

The approach of agencies allowed back into the country seems to be cautious at this point though as the ban still seems to apply to those organisations involved in human rights issues, transitional justice, along with governance and democracy.

Clearly the government recognises the need of the people at this point and its on need to call on outside assistance. It is a tricky situation with the government needing to recognise the part it is playing in the economic downfall that has lead to such assistance being required. Unless the government is willing to recognise the justice and governance issues feeding into the current crisis, no long term answers can be addressed.