releases: https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F8225CBB-EAE2-4D07-8671-3BA17E0C7465
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.flake.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F8225CBB-EAE2-4D07-8671-3BA17E0C7465 | VIDEO: Flake Encourages Support, Accountability for Zimbabwe | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | AZ | Jeff Flake | F000444 | www.flake.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, last night took to the Senate floor to encourage constructive bilateral relations with the Zimbabwean government: During these past several months, I have thought often of friends in Zimbabwe who deserve far better from their government than they have received over the past four decades. They deserve a government that represents them; a government that provides an environment that allows them to follow their dreams and realize the dreams of their children. Zimbabwe deserves a government worthy of its people, and I encourage my colleagues to look for ways to engage constructively with Zimbabwe's new government moving ahead. The new ZDERA provides a worthy framework. Video of Flake's remarks can be viewedhere. A complete transcript of Flake's prepared remarks can be viewed below. *** Mr. President, last week I chaired a hearing of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health that focused on Zimbabwe. As a young man, I fell in love with the continent of Africa and the country of Zimbabwe when I served my Mormon mission there. The year was 1983 and the country had recently gained its independence. A man by the name of Robert Mugabe was serving as Prime Minister at the time. I do not think anyone could have predicted back then that Mugabe would serve as leader of Zimbabwe until November 2017, nor could have anyone imagined the damage Robert Mugabe would do to that beautiful country. Jubilation erupted in the streets of Harare in November of 2017 when Zimbabweans heard the news that Mugabe had been ousted by his own party and forced to retire. The people of Zimbabwe burst into spontaneous celebration hoping that, with Mugabe finally removed from power, the country might begin to move on after nearly forty years in power. I had the opportunity to visit Zimbabwe in February of 2016, when I led a delegation to southern Africa. Mugabe's misrule and the economic devastation wrought had clearly taken its toll on the capital city of Harare. Yet somehow, the people of Zimbabwe, so capable and resilient, had persevered and looked to a brighter future. I was able to reconnect with friends there whom I had not seen in thirty years, including one of my missionary companions, Peter Chaya, who despite a severe disability brought on by polio as a child, managed to raise four children and contribute a great deal to his church, his community, and his country. Zimbabwe's greatest potential lies in its people, and it is time for the government to take the steps to ensure that this potential can be fully realized. I want to work with Zimbabwe to help make this happen, and that is why I introduced the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Amendment Act, along with Senator Coons, last March. Seventeen years after the original ZDERA statute was signed into law, our amendments provide a roadmap for the new government that, if followed, will lead to a better, more constructive bilateral relationship with the United States. The ZDERA Amendment Act, signed into law in August, reiterates that in order for sanctions on Zimbabwe to be lifted, the government must restore the rule of law, it must hold free and fair elections, and it must demonstrate a sincere commitment to land reform. But, and this is different from the prior statute, our changes send a signal to the government of Zimbabwe, to the opposition, and to the Zimbabwean people that the United States is interested in improving the state of our bilateral relationship, including in the areas of trade and investment. The bill asks that the government of Zimbabwe take concrete, tangible steps toward good governance and the enactment of economic reforms. It asks that all statutes inconsistent with Zimbabwe's 2013 constitution are either repealed or amended to bring them in line with the constitution. And finally, it underlines the need for a robust civil society that is allowed to function freely without government interference. The conditions outlined in the ZDERA Amendment Act are reasonable and would not take long to achieve. I urge President Mnangagwa to move ahead to repeal troublesome statutes and engage in meaningful economic reform along the lines of what finance minister Ncube has recommended. I remain concerned that a lack of momentum for reform in Zimbabwe will squander the opportunity presented by former President Mugabe's ouster. We cannot expect Zimbabwe to flip a switch and reverse nearly four decades of misrule in a few months' time. But we should expect more urgency to reform the economy and expand political space for the opposition. There is no more outward sign that Zimbabwe has yet to turn the page than the government leveling charges against opposition figures like Tendai Biti and others. There is no purpose served by going after one's political opponents, especially in the wake of a contested election. The new government in Zimbabwe bears much of the responsibility for forging a positive path forward but the opposition party needs to play a constructive role, as well. The leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, Nelson Chimisa, is young and capable. He has a long career ahead of him. It would be to his benefit, and the benefit of all Zimbabweans, to recognize the legitimacy of the new government and to help create an inclusive process moving ahead. As in any democracy, Zimbabwe needs a loyal opposition in the form of an opposition party, or parties, that hold the government accountable within the framework of the rule of law. There will be new elections to contest, more chances to make a case to voters. During these past several months, I have thought often of friends like Peter Chaya, and others in Zimbabwe who I know deserve far better from their government than they have received over the past four decades. They deserve a government that represents them, a government provides an environment that allows them to follow their dreams and realize the dreams of their children. Zimbabwe deserves a government worthy of its people, and I encourage my colleagues to look for ways to engage constructively with Zimbabwe's new government moving ahead. The new ZDERA provides a worthy framework. By next month, my role will change, but I will remain involved and committed to a strong partnership between the United States and Zimbabwe. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |