US$60m Swedish offer raises eyebrows

channel the funds through its development agency, Swedish Development Co-operation Agency and the so-called human rights groups.

Some political analysts have questioned the Scandinavian country’s interests particularly in view of its refusal to support the lifting of the illegal economic embargo.
They said the money could be part of the regime change agenda by the West.

The analysts said the distribution of the money through non-governmental organisations means it has “strings attached”.
Zimbabwe’s three political parties in the inclusive Government viewed the offer differently.

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Zanu-PF expressed reservations while the MDC-T welcomed the pledge. The other MDC formation, however, called for transparency in its distribution.
Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo yesterday said most NGOs in Zimbabwe were participating in the regime change agenda.

He said Zanu-PF would reject the money.
“This is the money they use to hold us at ransom if we accept it. Usually such monies come with conditions and we don’t want anyone to dictate to us on such issues as elections.
“NGOs are busy fighting against us and if anyone is to give us a hand, he has to do so through Government channels,” he said.

Cde Gumbo said individuals and other states that want to work with Government should be impartial.
MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora said his party welcomed any form of international help towards the “democratisation of the country”.
“Anything that helps Zimbabwe have free and fair elections is welcome and this is not the first time that the country has received international help for its programmes.

“The international community has elaborate accountability so we are sure the funds won’t be abused. Everyone must be thrilled by this development,” he said.
The deputy spokesperson of the other MDC formation Mr Kurauone Chihwayi said: “ZEC has said it is broke, so is our Government. There is nothing bad in receiving support from outside.
“What we don’t want is a situation whereby, the process ends up being hijacked by certain individuals in the inclusive Government.

“We hope that there is nothing satanic with the pledge as our party is for help that comes in good faith.”
Political analysts also viewed the offer differently.

Mr Goodwine Mureriwa said it was clear Sweden supported regime change in Zimbabwe.
He said instead of committing funding to elections, Sweden should be calling for the lifting of the illegal sanctions.
“Sida is funded by the Swedish government that has imposed sanctions on us. It’s ironic that such a country wants to fund reforms and elections in Zimbabwe.

“It is clear that the money is meant for vote buying by the MDC-T and if they want to help us, they must first do so by lifting the sanctions. To us, the embargo is the biggest rigger of elections,” he said.
Another political analyst Mr Eldred Masunungure said the pledge should be compliant to the objectives of the inclusive Government.
“The relevant authorities have to verify if sovereignty issues are not violated and it must not be detrimental to national issues.

“The proposed grant has to be within Government set parameters because it is evident that Sweden has always aligned its assistance towards governance issues,” he said.
Dr Ibbo Mandaza said there was nothing sinister with the pledge since the donor community has been supporting programmes like the constitution making process.

He, however, said the money should be distributed on a non-partisan basis.
“We hope the money would come through the national process not on a partisan basis. One would welcome it if national interests are protected,” he said.