The European Union pulled funding from Zimbabwe after President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the controversial Private Voluntary Organizations Amendment Bill. The money was meant to help Zimbabwe negotiate its massive $21 billion debt restructuring. Mnangagwa went ahead despite warnings from United Nations human rights experts about the law.
EU ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann said the new legislation worsens governance issues in the country. He expressed disappointment that Zimbabwe failed to keep its promises regarding civic freedoms as part of its debt resolution process. The ambassador noted the law puts unfair limits on civic groups operating in Zimbabwe.
The government defends the legislation, saying it aims to improve financial accountability. Officials claim it will fight money laundering, terrorist funding, and illegal financing of political activities. However, critics see the law as giving authorities too much control over non-governmental organizations. The legislation allows government officials to regulate NGO operations throughout the country heavily.
EU ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann said the new legislation worsens governance issues in the country. He expressed disappointment that Zimbabwe failed to keep its promises regarding civic freedoms as part of its debt resolution process. The ambassador noted the law puts unfair limits on civic groups operating in Zimbabwe.
The government defends the legislation, saying it aims to improve financial accountability. Officials claim it will fight money laundering, terrorist funding, and illegal financing of political activities. However, critics see the law as giving authorities too much control over non-governmental organizations. The legislation allows government officials to regulate NGO operations throughout the country heavily.
