'Sanctions not to blame for Zimbabwe's economic misfortunes'

There are those who argue that we should revisit our sanctions policy because President Mugabe has sought to use US policy as a propaganda tool.

We will not be swayed by the attempts of President Mugabe and his party to blame Zimbabwe's economic misfortunes and disastrous economic mismanagement - on the United States and other governments that maintain targeted sanctions on a select group of individuals and entities. We do, however, want to communicate our message clearly.

Those who benefit most from the status quo - influential officials within the Zimbabwean government and the defence and security sectors - will no doubt remain the most vocal critics of the United States and other Western countries, and they will continue to rely on state domination of the media to perpetuate misperceptions about US policy.

With the end of the unity government and the relative stability it brought to Zimbabwe's economy, there looms the real possibility of substantial economic decline, which President Mugabe and his Zanu PF party may seek to blame on sanctions.

We - and Zimbabwe's neighbours - need to be prepared for the possible humanitarian cost of Zanu PF's proposed policies. We also need to examine, while maintaining our targeted sanctions, opportunities for engagement with the private sector that are consistent with our values, policies, and interests.

In addition to helping stave off economic hardship for the people of Zimbabwe, such engagement will also provide a powerful counterargument to the false sanctions narrative that Zanu PF seeks to weave.

We must also remain supportive of civil society groups that advocate for strong democratic institutions, the rule of law, and human rights. And, we will look for opportunities to work with elements of parliament and local government as a means of strengthening democratic governance going forward.

As my USAID colleague will discuss, we will also need to continue our assistance at a "humanitarian plus" level. We can and should be proud of our ongoing support for Zimbabwe's progress in the treatment and prevention of HIV and Aids, in improving the lives of smallholder farmers, and in creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Zimbabwe's human and economic potential is enormous. That makes the events of recent years, and the lost opportunities of this election, all the more tragic. US policy remains dedicated to helping the people of Zimbabwe achieve the democratic, peaceful, and prosperous future that they deserve.