Goche, government responsible for suffering of millions – McGee

According to impeccable sources, the outspoken diplomat, James McGee, has also protested formally to the Mugabe regime about the theft by government officials of 20 tons of food aid donated by the US government. 

“This incident was particularly objectionable not only because it was perpetrated by government officials, but also because it diverted food from poor children and was used instead for the political patronage of a select few,” McGee said in a letter to Goche this week, sources revealed. 

Millions of Zimbabweans have been affected by the military junta’s continued refusal to allow international food aid from the United States and other western countries to reach the intended beneficiaries. 

Confidential documents in the possession of The Zimbabwean show that access to food aid for more than 420,000 children, health services for 8000 and water for some half a million people from USAID has been denied by the Mugabe regime since just before the combined elections in March 2008. 

McGee has taken a tough stance with the government – describing the ban on humanitarian organisations as “inhuman”. 

McGee told Goche the humanitarian situation in the country now verges on “catastrophic”. 

“Without prompt action on your part, a humanitarian crisis is imminent. It is within your power to immediately lift the NGO ban, stop harassment of NGO’s and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers. If you choose not to act, we will hold you personally responsible for the inhuman suffering caused by this ban,” he said. 

With regard to the stolen food aid, McGee said a report prepared by his officials about the incident revealed that the driver of the truck carrying the food to 27 schools in Mutare district was captured on June 6 by war veterans and police officers, dispatched by Governor Chigudu and led by a Zimbabwean Army colonel, who threatened him and forced the truck to go to Bambazonke police station. Under the direction of Chigudu the aid – comprising bulgur wheat, pinto beans and vegetable oil, was distributed to Zanu (PF) supporters assembled at a rally near the police station. 

The driver was detained at the police station until June 9.  Project staff who arrived to recover the food were prohibited entry to the police station until after the food had been distributed at the rally.  Despite continued efforts, US officials have been thwarted by the police in all their attempts to pursue investigation of the theft. 

McGee is adamant that responsibility for the theft rests with the government of Zimbabwe and will leave no stone unturned in pursuing the matter.