ZIMBABWE: 2009 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM

UNCLAS HARARE 000990 SIPDIS AF/S FOR B. WALCH S/CT FOR RHONDA SHORE NCTC: RUEILB/NCTC WASHINGTON DC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC ZI SUBJECT: ZIMBABWE: 2009 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM REF: SECSTATE 109980 ¶1. (U) Zimbabwean government agencies routinely provided assistance by conducting investigative inquiries, traces, and border checks of individuals thought to be threats to U.S. government facilities or personnel. Zimbabwe's continued economic decline, however, has had a detrimental impact on local law enforcement and national security elements responsible for implementing and coordinating counterterrorsm efforts. The Suppression of Foreign and International Terrorism Bill, enacted in August 2007 to combat terrorism and mercenary activities in Zimbabwe, has been redirected to suppress opponents of ZANU-PF leaders and policies. ¶2. (U) Although generally cooperative, Zimbabwean law enforcement officials have been reluctant to take or recommend actions that would be seen as pro-American. This has undermined efforts to foster greater cooperation, to include U.S. funding and training opoprtunties. ¶3. (U) EMBASSY POC: ANDREW SCHUT (schutah@state.gov) RAY