SPILLOVER EFFECTS OF ZIMBABWE CRISIS

UNCLAS MAPUTO 000546 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM SMIG PREF MZ ZM SUBJECT: SPILLOVER EFFECTS OF ZIMBABWE CRISIS REF: A) MAPUTO 371 B) MAPUTO 379 C) STATE 35430 ¶1. (U) The crisis in Zimbabwe continues to have political, economic, and humanitarian spillover effects on Mozambique. While the Mozambican government (GRM) denies that Zimbabwean refugees enter Mozambique, NGOs paint a different picture. Border controls at the Machipanda crossing at the Zimbabwe border are adequate, but the GRM does not have the resources to monitor crossings through the neighboring mountains, which include well-known paths created during Zimbabwe's struggle for independence and the subsequent civil war in Mozambique. Local officials in Chimoio and Manica confirm that most Zimbabweans looking to stay in Mozambique would use these paths vice the official border crossing. Police recently arrested 45 Zimbabweans in Chimoio for residing illegally in Mozambique. According to a press report, the Red Cross Director for Southern Africa that an estimated 5,500 Zimbabweans had left South Africa during the xenophobic violence for Mozambique rather than return to Zimbabwe. ¶2. (U) A group of approximately 30 Zimbabweans living in Maputo recently formed an NGO with the express intent of seeking out Zimbabwean refugees in Mozambique, lobbying and advocating on their behalf, and providing humanitarian assistance. This newly-created International Relief Services (IRS) has established small operations centers in Manica, Tete, and Gaza provinces, the three provinces which border Zimbabwe. During a recent visit to the Machipanda border post (which borders Manicaland province in Zimbabwe),an IRS member identified and registered 193 torture victims that had fled Zimbabwe since the first round of elections. The member relayed to poloff that there were "thousands of Zimbabwean victims" that could not be reached due to logistical reasons, including long distances, and because many victims were still too traumatized to speak openly of their experiences. The member also estimated that some 500 young Zimbabwean girls were now engaging in prostitution in the borders towns of Manica and Chimoio. ¶3. (U) During the last week of May, the Center of Mozambican and International Studies (CEMO) hosted a second civil society roundtable on Zimbabwe (ref A). The discussion focused on SADC's lost opportunity following the first round of elections, the viability for a fair second round runoff, and the impact the runoff could have on Mozambique and the region. Like the first roundtable, the discussion involved a wide array of civil society heavyweights, particularly from the press and the NGO community. Panelists were universally critical of SADC's handling of affairs following the first round and its failure to assert itself as a true regional broker. In addition, most panelists agreed that conditions in Zimbabwe are unsuitable for holding a free and fair second round at the end of June (Note: the GRM has now agreed to send approximately 25 election observers as part of a SADC observer team. End Note). A FRELIMO deputy defended Mugabe and asserted that the elections were for Zimbabwe to solve, not for other governments or regional organizations. This was met by strong counter arguments by panelists and audience members alike. ¶4. (SBU) COMMENT: The worsening political situation in Zimbabwe continues to have adverse affects on Mozambique. However, despite nearly daily news articles on atrocities in Zimbabwe or the plight of Zimbabwean refugees in Mozambique, the GRM continues to remain largely silent. The formation of the IRS is a noteworthy development, particularly in light of the GRM and UNHCR's belief that Zimbabweans will not overwhelm Mozambique with refugees. Post only learned of this new NGO after the deadline for Taft Fund proposals were due (ref C). In light of the continuing flow of Zimbabweans into Mozambique and the work IRS is doing to assist, Post would like to request Taft Fund assistance to fund the important work IRS is performing in Mozambique. END COMMENT. Chapman