A commitment to reward Zimbabwe
for democratic reform is a centrepiece of the Coalition's review of overseas
aid spending next month.
The announcement was made as the European Union yesterday revamped sanctions
against Robert Mugabe's regime by removing 35 people from the list of 163
Zimbabweans subject to travel bans and an asset freeze.
Up to one third of an overseas aid budget that will grow to f11 billion by
2015 will be directed to priority countries identified by the National
Security Council. Britain currently gives aid only to United Nations
agencies and trusted charities working in Zimbabwe.
The extra spending will target improved health care, better schooling and
measures to bolster economic growth.
Zimbabwe's national income has halved in the last ten years as President
Robert Mugabe pursued a land redistribution policy that devastated
agricultural output. White farmers were driven off the land, which was then
redistributed to cronies of the ruling party.
While Mr Mugabe was forced to accept a power-sharing government with the
opposition Movement for Democratic Change after 2009 elections, the ageing
leader retains a powerful grip on the armed forces and economy.
But with unrest rising as the country prepares for a general election as early
as this year, there has been pressure from diplomats for Western governments
to promise concrete spending in return for a free election.
Andrew Mitchell, the International Development Secretary, will announced the
details of extra spending.
"As a result of our review, Britain will take immediate action to help
ordinary Zimbabweans, with better access to basic health services,
education, and clean water. But we also stand ready to widen our support, if
crucial progress can be made in terms of political stability and much-needed
reforms," he said. "It is vital that the ... Government prepares a
new constitution which reflects the interests of the people and puts in
place conditions for credible elections."
A four-year programme includes new schemes to offer school vouchers to 42,000
girls, improve water sanitation for half a million people, employ 110,000 in
job training schemes and provide medicine for 150,000 HIV sufferers.
