US government sponsored Zimbabwe army

US government sponsored Zimbabwe army

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By Lebo Nkatazo

THE United States of America donated computers to the Airforce of Zimbabwe despite slapping sanctions on the African country that included a military embargo, it emerged Thursday.

The revelations are contained in a report by the Zimbabwe army submitted to the Auditor General.

The report seen by New Zimbabwe.com on Thursday, and signed on October 26, 2005, by major general R Ruwondo (rtd), who was the acting secretary of defence at the time, reveals that the US government made donations to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces despite sanctions and accusations of human rights violations.

"Gifts and donations with a total value of $88 332 609 in 2003 being computer equipment and accessories were received by the Air Force of Zimbabwe from the government of the United States of America," major general Ruwondo said in the report.

The timing of the donation will cause embarrassment for US authorities as it came just months after President Robert Mugabe was accused by international observers of winning a flawed re-election in March 2002.

Government supporters were accused of attacking opposition activists and 12 white farmers were killed leading to the elections as Mugabe's foot soldiers marched on white-owned farmland.

Days before the election, Zimbabwe's top army generals, including Airforce Commander Air Vice Marshal Perence Shiri, appeared on national television saying they would reject an opposition victory.

The United States unveiled the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act 2001 imposing sanctions on President Mugabe and his closest lieutenants.

The Act bars US companies from doing business with senior officials in Mugabe's regime.

The European Union has also slapped Zimbabwe with sanctions including an embargo on the " supply or sale of arms and related material of all types including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts" to the country.

No comment was immediately available from United States embassy officials last night.

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