HARARE - Despite having slapped President Robert Mugabe The EU this week said since Independence in 1980 it had demonstrated an “unwavering commitment to the people of Zimbabwe”.
“This did not change after the introduction of the measures in 2002, a decision which merely changed the way funds are now channelled into the country,” the EU said.
Things changed after the EU accused the Mugabe regime of abusing funds given to the cash-strapped nation – including purchasing luxury vehicles for government ministers and securing military equipment at a time when the nation was not at war.
“In recent years, and particularly since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in 2009, the rate of EU assistance has increased considerably. For the two-year period 2009-2010, the EU provided E365 million in aid.
For the 2009-2010 agricultural seasons, it had provided funding for more than a quarter of the fertiliser needs of small holder farmers.
“This has significantly contributed to reducing the food security deficit in 2010,” the EU said.
It also provided textbooks to almost all children attending primary school. Support for social services was reinforced as a result of a 2009-2010 EU contribution of E80 million to address humanitarian crisis.
The body has also provided support for key governance reforms as agreed by the GNU to encourage an environment conducive to credible general elections.
It has consistently stated that further reforms are “necessary in Zimbabwe” with regard to the respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy.
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