In a historic move, Zimbabwe has begun compensating white farmers for land seized during a controversial reform program over two decades ago.
Zimbabwe Initiates Compensation for White Farmers Deprived of Land
Zimbabwe Initiates Compensation for White Farmers Deprived of Land
Zimbabwe's government makes first compensation payments to white farmers under a landmark 2020 agreement.
The payments mark a pivotal step in mending relations with Western nations and addressing past injustices as Zimbabwe grapples with economic challenges.
The payments are the first under a 2020 deal between the state and the former farm owners. The Zimbabwean government has announced an initial disbursement of US$3 million (£2.3 million) to white farmers whose lands were confiscated during a contentious government program more than twenty years ago. This payout signifies the first financial movement under the 2020 compensation agreement, wherein Zimbabwe committed to compensating former farm owners a total of $3.5 billion (£2.6 billion) for seized properties.
Between 2000 and 2001, a myriad of white farmers were forcibly displaced from their land, often facing violent takeovers as part of a plan aimed at addressing historical injustices stemming from colonial land policies. However, these actions contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s economic downturn and strained relationships with Western nations.
The recent compensation covers the first 378 farms, out of a broader total of 740 approved for compensation. Representing just 1% of the total allocated amount of $311 million for this initial batch, the government plans to fulfill the remainder with US-dollar denominated Treasury bonds, as stated by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube. He emphasized this step as part of wider efforts to reform the economy and manage national debt.
Harry Orphanides, a representative for the farmers, shared that interest in the compensation has increased among them, although a substantial number have yet to formally accept the deal, often retaining their title deeds. Importantly, the Zimbabwean government has opted to compensate former owners only for improvements made on the land, maintaining their stance that the land itself was seized unjustly from colonialists.
Back in January, Zimbabwe initiated payments specifically aimed at foreign investors whose farms were protected under bilateral investment agreements. Following independence in 1980, the redistribution of white-owned land to black farmers was a crucial objective, seeking to reverse the legacy of colonialism that reserved the best agricultural areas for white landowners.
The land reform policies escalated under former President Robert Mugabe, leading to rampant land invasions, government endorsement, and significant international condemnation. Now, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took power following Mugabe's ousting in 2017, there has been an effort to restore international relations and engage with Western governments. Mnangagwa has firmly stated that while land reform is irreversible, offering compensation is vital for rekindling diplomatic ties and reintegrating Zimbabwe into the global financial community.
Analysts view this compensation payment as a crucial step toward fostering better relations with foreign nations and averting ongoing international disputes against Zimbabwe, which has faced isolation from the global financial system for over two decades, resulting in crippling foreign debt and an unstable economy.
The payments are the first under a 2020 deal between the state and the former farm owners. The Zimbabwean government has announced an initial disbursement of US$3 million (£2.3 million) to white farmers whose lands were confiscated during a contentious government program more than twenty years ago. This payout signifies the first financial movement under the 2020 compensation agreement, wherein Zimbabwe committed to compensating former farm owners a total of $3.5 billion (£2.6 billion) for seized properties.
Between 2000 and 2001, a myriad of white farmers were forcibly displaced from their land, often facing violent takeovers as part of a plan aimed at addressing historical injustices stemming from colonial land policies. However, these actions contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s economic downturn and strained relationships with Western nations.
The recent compensation covers the first 378 farms, out of a broader total of 740 approved for compensation. Representing just 1% of the total allocated amount of $311 million for this initial batch, the government plans to fulfill the remainder with US-dollar denominated Treasury bonds, as stated by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube. He emphasized this step as part of wider efforts to reform the economy and manage national debt.
Harry Orphanides, a representative for the farmers, shared that interest in the compensation has increased among them, although a substantial number have yet to formally accept the deal, often retaining their title deeds. Importantly, the Zimbabwean government has opted to compensate former owners only for improvements made on the land, maintaining their stance that the land itself was seized unjustly from colonialists.
Back in January, Zimbabwe initiated payments specifically aimed at foreign investors whose farms were protected under bilateral investment agreements. Following independence in 1980, the redistribution of white-owned land to black farmers was a crucial objective, seeking to reverse the legacy of colonialism that reserved the best agricultural areas for white landowners.
The land reform policies escalated under former President Robert Mugabe, leading to rampant land invasions, government endorsement, and significant international condemnation. Now, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took power following Mugabe's ousting in 2017, there has been an effort to restore international relations and engage with Western governments. Mnangagwa has firmly stated that while land reform is irreversible, offering compensation is vital for rekindling diplomatic ties and reintegrating Zimbabwe into the global financial community.
Analysts view this compensation payment as a crucial step toward fostering better relations with foreign nations and averting ongoing international disputes against Zimbabwe, which has faced isolation from the global financial system for over two decades, resulting in crippling foreign debt and an unstable economy.
