Top Three Reports October/November 2011

Every two months Zimbabwe Watch offers three relevant and interesting reports that have been published. The reports Zimbabwe Watch wants to share with you for October/November coincidently also cover the organization's area's of focus: reconstruction & re-engagement, natural resources and the democratic transition.

Jubilee Debt Campaign and Zimbabwe European Network (2011) Uncovering Zimbabwe’s debt
The first report is on the debt that Zimbabwe owes to its creditors (these include banks, IMF, countries). The first chapter deals with the history of debt in Zimbabwe which is worked out in detail. Based on this the report discusses some options on how to deal with the current debt and which options would be most beneficial to the people of Zimbabwe. Finally the report makes demands, recommendations and provides lessons to be learned: nobody is spared, Zimbabwean government, foreign governments and creditors all are mentioned. A precise account of debt and the consequences for the of Zimbabwean people.

Read the full report here.

Sokwanele (2011) The Marange Diamond Fields of Zimbabwe - An Overview
The quality of this report is so high, that it is likely we will refer to this article in the future. The report reviews the history of diamond mining in Zimbabwe and all its controversy: from human rights abuses to organograms of stakeholders and ministries. Special credits go out to the fact that the author(s) compiled a comprehensive time line of the decisions and events surrounding the KP concerning Zimbabwe. A great and, most of all, complete report: recommended reading for anyone who is interested in mining, resources and its politics.

Read the full report here.
View the timeline here.

Research and Advocacy Unit (2011) Thinking Inside the Box
With the title the author of this report means the current clauses and articles in the constitution (which is the box) that determine what happens if the position of the president becomes vacant. The report takes this line of reasoning towards a conclusion that argues that the current surge of violence is to prevent elections, this goes against current opinion that the violence is a sign of electioneering by ZANU-PF. The report is relatively short and technical: a must read for a better understanding in current Zimbabwean political affairs.

Read the full report here.