In Zimbabwe, we have something like 2,500 NGOs. All of them are not funded locally, said Chinamasa. They are funded from outside, sometimes to push an agenda which is outside a Zimbabwean interest. Some are in the developmental area, but when they come closer to politics, you start seeing that it is indirect influence and interference in our domestic affairs.
He added: If a country has imposed sanctions on us, we are certainly not in good books with that country. When that country then decides to fund an organisation in Zimbabwe which then becomes critical of the people or government being sanctioned, what conclusions do you want us to make?
NGOs have been highly critical of the governments human rights abuses and have fought to promote and protect human rights, while keeping communities informed about events in the country.
President Mugabe, however, said NGOs were inciting Zimbabweans to vote against his party.
Officially opening a Zanu (PF) youth conference last week, Mugabe said Zimbabwes ten-year long economic decline had allowed NGOs to move in with hand-outs to try to force mass rebellion against his government.
We have foreigners now coming in with food aid through the NGOs, he said.
Now these creatures called NGOs, you must be careful about them.
Post published in: News