The article outlines several current issues in Zimbabwe, including the detention of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, the severe decline in the ZiG currency, job losses due to funding cuts by the Trump administration, challenges in transport caused by smuggling, and a surge in dangerous human-crocodile conflicts.
On March 12, a High Court in Zimbabwe postponed the case of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who has been incarcerated since February 24 due to alleged incitement linked to interviews with a government critic. Despite his lawyers seeking bail, Justice Gibson Mandaza indicated that more time is necessary for case review. Lawyer Chris Mhike remarked on the ongoing nature of the proceedings, refraining from further comment.
In an alarming assessment, economist Steve Hanke has positioned Zimbabwe’s ZiG currency as the second most unstable globally, trailing only Venezuela’s Bolivar. His findings reveal a 50% depreciation of the ZiG against the US dollar over the past ten months due to rampant inflation and a severe distrust in the currency. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe maintains that the currency remains functional, despite its ineffective presence in vital sectors like fuel procurement.
The termination of US funding by the Trump administration has culminated in significant job losses for thousands of Zimbabwean NGO and civil society employees. This development particularly impacts sectors including HIV programs and humanitarian assistance. Reports highlight that 83% of USAID’s global budget was slashed, resulting in the abrupt cessation of approximately 5,200 initiatives, including $388 million in Zimbabwe.
Additionally, Zimbabwean officials are intensifying their crackdown on truck drivers involved in transporting contraband as they face penalties for unknowingly carrying illegal goods. Mike Fitzmaurice from the Transit Assistance Bureau elucidates that smuggling primarily occurs at border points such as Beitbridge, where drivers are frequently bribed. The situation has seen increasing control measures against smuggling operations.
Moreover, a concerning spike in human-crocodile encounters has resulted in nine fatalities and 11 injuries over a two-month span in Zimbabwe. According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, 49 incidents involved crocodiles leading to significant livestock losses. ZimParks urges local communities to exercise caution near water bodies, particularly during the rainy season, to mitigate such conflicts.
In summary, Zimbabwe faces multiple pressing challenges, including the continued detention of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, a significant devaluation of its currency, widespread unemployment due to US funding cuts, transportation issues stemming from smuggling, and an alarming rise in human-crocodile conflict incidents. Each of these factors exemplifies the country’s ongoing socio-economic struggles, emphasizing the need for serious attention and intervention.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
