Zimbabwe Roundup: ZiG restores economy, E-passports, militarisation
Militarisation claims
The head of U.S. Africa Command has denied Zimbabwe's claims of setting up a military base in Zambia and said the U.S. has no plans for a base there. The U.S. has increased security cooperation with Zambia, but there is no military footprint. Zambia's president denies militarisation and has called on regional bodies to mediate talks with Zimbabwe. The dispute stems from accusations made by Zimbabwe's president during a trip to Russia. VOA reports that the U.S. recently removed sanctions on most Zimbabweans, but a few prominent figures remain on the list. Top regional security challenges were discussed at the recent defense conference.
Caution against chaos
The Zimbabwe government issued a warning against opposition groups and politicians inciting disorder. The Minister of Information accused them of seeking attention and funding to revive their political careers. Law enforcement agencies are prepared to act decisively against those causing chaos, and the government is committed to ensuring national security. This warning comes amid rising tensions and accusations of political maneuvering, The Zimbabwe Mail reports.
E-passports
Zimbabweans in South Africa are welcoming the rollout of e-passports, with about 60 passports processed daily since 21 June. The initiative is extending indefinitely, making it easier for Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa to obtain passports for themselves and their children. The cost of the passport is US$150 (about R2,744) with an additional US$20 (about R365) for each electronic passport application. The initiative has been well received and the Zimbabwean Consulate is working to extend the service to other areas in South Africa, according to local platform Ground Up.
Economic stability
The IMF has announced that Zimbabwe's introduction of the bullion-backed currency, known as ZiG, has successfully ended economic instability. The official exchange rate has remained stable, marking a significant turnaround for the country. The IMF revised Zimbabwe's growth forecast to 2% with a projected recovery in 2025. According to The Zimbabwe Mail, the introduction of ZiG is seen as a pivotal move in restoring confidence in the country's financial system.
Death
A dead man was found with bruises all over his body in Harare, Zimbabwe. Police are investigating the cause of death and are seeking information from the public. In other news, a man in Zimbabwe has been sentenced to jail for assaulting his domestic worker, and former Deputy Minister of Information, Bright Matonga, has been arrested for stealing farming equipment, Chronicle reports.
