ZIMBABWE - FY-2006 ESF REQUEST

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HARARE 000977 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS AF/S FOR H.SERVIN-BAEZ SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR C. COURVILLE USAID FOR M. COPSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AFIN AMGT EAID ECON PGOV PHUM PREL XA ZI SUBJECT: ZIMBABWE - FY-2006 ESF REQUEST REF: REF: STATE 59002 -------------- Overview of FY-2006 ESF Request -------------- ¶1. (SBU) As stated in the Mission Performance Plan, Zimbabwe today is a paradox. On the one hand, President Robert Mugabe and his ruling party have tightened their grip over the country in the past year and have benefited from the split in the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). On the other hand, the worsening economy, the increasingly open succession battle, and growing international isolation are driving deep wedges into the ruling party. In this context, we believe the request below is the absolute minimum amount needed to sustain democratic forces in this country and keep alive prospects for a national, democratic revival in Zimbabwe. As Zimbabwe's protracted political crisis continues, it is essential for the U.S. to maintain support to democratic forces. -------------- FY 2006 ESF Request -------------- Elections and Political Processes--$300,000 ($300,000 Annual) ¶3. (SBU) The anticipated rural council elections will be the last nationwide elections before the 2008 presidential election, providing a key testing ground for local election observers and political parties. The funds requested will help local election monitors document electoral irregularities and conduct a parallel vote count. These funds would also help all democratic political parties prepare for national elections by developing non-violent standards of behavior, conducting voter education, and articulating campaign messages. These activities serve U.S. policy interests by increasing pressure on the GOZ to hold free and fair elections. USAID would obligate the funds through existing mechanisms. Sustaining Civil Society--$1,670,000 ($1,670,000 Annual) ¶4. (SBU) The GOZ, convinced that civil society is directly supporting the opposition party, has stepped up its surveillance and persecution of the NGO sector. NGO meetings and workshops are routinely prohibited or interrupted by security agents. NGO leaders are detained, harassed, and threatened. The NGO Bill was not signed into law, but the threat of introducing new draconian legislation to increase the government's powers to control the funding, registration, and activities of NGOs remains. Despite government repression, the NGO sector remains, for now, alive and energized. ¶5. (SBU) This allocation would continue and extend Post's existing activities in support of a wide range of NGOs, both local and regional, working in the areas of human rights, legal aid, peace building, civic education, and lobbying. These funds would sustain these organizations and preserve independent democratic voices for a time when Zimbabwe is ready for democratic change. These programs support U.S. policy in Zimbabwe by ensuring that important vestiges of the country's democratic infrastructure are not extinguished until that moment inevitably comes. USAID would obligate the funds through a US-based nonprofit organization that provides small grants to local NGOs. Sustaining Independent Media--$1,000,000 ($1,000,000 Annual) HARARE 00000977 002 OF 002 ¶6. (SBU) The independent media in Zimbabwe have been badly damaged by the GOZ's aggressive campaign to stifle criticism, at home and abroad, of its flawed policies and to prevent the democratic opposition from communicating with the electorate. The people of Zimbabwe are desperate for alternative sources of news, information, and platforms for free speech. ¶7. (SBU) This allocation would support the continued existence of the independent media in Zimbabwe. Funds would support the Voice of America Studio 7 radio program, which now boosts approximately one million listeners per day. Aiding the continued existence of independent media in Zimbabwe directly serves U.S. policy by ensuring checks against the government monopoly on information and providing important outlets for opposing viewpoints. USAID would obligate the funds through VOA. RAYNOR