HOPEFULLY, the installation of the unity government comprising Zanu-PF and the MDC factions in Zimbabwe last week signals the beginning of a new era for that country.Over the last decade, the people of Zimbabwe have experienced
political, social and economic turmoil and the development last week
should give a breath of a new hope.
Many Zimbabweans have fled the country either as economic or political
refugees and it is estimated that up to four million are now living
outside Zimbabwe.
Not long ago, Zimbabwe was known as the bread basket of the region but
it has now been reduced to a nation dependent on foreign aid and most
of its people are in a desperate position.
Obviously, not all political players may have gotten what they wanted
and it is tempting for some to feel a sense of loss but the mere fact
that the unity government has been installed should give hope.
The onus now lies on the leaders to get down to work and deal with the
real issues that affect the day-to-day lives of their people.
It means getting back to repairing the economy, the deteriorated
health, roads and education infrastructure and to generally build
confidence among the people and potential investors.
It is important that confidence-building measures are quickly put in
place so that donors and Zimbabweans living abroad are attracted to get
back and help in the rebuilding process.
This means that the leadership must exercise maximum restraint in
dealing with any political problems or otherwise to avoid dashing
people's hopes that a new era is beginning.
There are many highly qualified and skilled Zimbabweans who must go
back to their country and render their expertise to their own people.
This is not an easy task and will not be achieved immediately, given the state of the economy now.
The international community also has an important role to play in the
process and is expected to do its part to kick-start the Zimbabwean
economy.
This means whatever country could have had sanctions against Zimbabwe must review them or even completely lift the sanctions.
In short, the world must heed the words of the Southern African
Development Community that the sanctions against Zimbabwe be lifted and
appropriate aid offered to shore up the work of the newly installed
unity government.