US Senators introduce bill to review sanctions on Zimbabwe

This week was one of (seemingly) reconciliations. A secret meeting in Harare managed to bring the two warring Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) factions together. The factions, divided over the position on the constitution making process, elected an 11-member interim executive.

The Daily News suggested on their website that the conflict between Finance Minister Biti and Reserve Bank Governor Gono appears to have been resolved, with Biti naming Gono as chairman of the RBZ.

Three US Senators, among which former Presidential candidate John Kerry, also had a reconciliation message, introducing a bill that aims to collaborate with those forces in the GNU that demonstrate a commitment to democratic reform. The bill also urges the Obama administration to look at illegal diamond activities in Chiadzwa.

Finally, it will be interesting to monitor the Zimbabwe Media Commission who might issue new licenses for newspapers, enabling a better media environment. However, the controversial appointment of Tafataona Mahoso as Chief Executive Officer of the ZMC secretariat has received mixed reactions by journalists and civil society groups.