Harriett Baldwin MP Minister of State

6 February 2019

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your reader’s emails of January 2019 to the Foreign Secretary on about Zimbabwe. I am replying as the Minister for Africa.

I share your reader’s concerns about the security situation in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Forum have recorded 844 human rights violations during the shutdown, including 12 killings, 78 gunshot injuries, and at least 466 arbitrary arrests and detentions, which of course is deeply shocking. I summoned the Zimbabwean Ambassador, Christian Katsande, on 17 January and urged him to stop the disproportionate use of force by the security forces, reinstate full internet access and investigate any cases of alleged human rights violations. I spoke to Foreign Minister Moyo on 29 January to reiterate our concern and call for an end to ongoing human rights violations.

The Government of Zimbabwe has a responsibility to protect ordinary citizens. We acknowledge that the situation is difficult and that some protestors’ behaviour has been unacceptable. However, the use of live ammunition against protestors is deeply concerning and disproportionate. As I said in Parliament on 30 January, the Government of Zimbabwe must learn lessons from the tragic events of 1 August 2018 and January 2019. President Mnangagwa must implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the 1 August violence. In particular, he must address the finding that the use of force by the security services was unjustified and disproportionate.

You raised the issue of Zimbabwe rejoining the Commonwealth. It is not for the UK to decide if Zimbabwe is to rejoin the Commonwealth. The final decision is for all Commonwealth members. The UK would only support re-admission provided Zimbabwe meets the admission requirements, complying with the values and principles set out in the Commonwealth Charter. Disproportionate use of force by security forces is inconsistent with the Commonwealth Charter.

You also raised the provision of UK aid to Zimbabwe. The UK provided £86 million of aid to Zimbabwe in 2018/19. No money is channeled directly through the Government of Zimbabwe. Programmes are delivered primarily through multilateral organisations, including United Nations agencies and the World Bank, that are best able to deliver on a larger scale, as well as NGOs and private sector contractors in specialist areas.

Please be assured that the UK stands ready to support a Zimbabwe that fully embraces the rule of law, human rights and economic reform. However, we have been clear that international support will be based on genuine political and economic reforms. International re-engagement with Zimbabwe is in the balance if a disproportionate response to protests continues. As the Foreign Secretary said in the House of Commons on January 22, President Mnangagwa must not turn back the clock. He needs to work with all Zimbabweans in dialogue for a better future.

Harriett Baldwin MP