By Myriam Clerge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Eastern and Southern Africa

HARARE, Zimbabwe – According to the Central Statistical Office, Zimbabwe’s inflation rate has slowed from July’s rate of 7,634.8% to 6,592.8% in August. The drop and deceleration is a likely result from President Robert Mugabe’s price-control sanctions. Several months ago, President Mugabe ordered the freeze and price cut of several essential commodities. Those that defied the government policy were arrested and sentenced to prison for up to six months.

Many economists speculated the price freeze would plunge the country into a deeper economic crisis and cause a severe shortage. Although the declined rate is a promising sign, Zimbabwe’s inflation rate is nevertheless the highest in the world.

Besides the economy, the inflation rate indicates even less potential for the future of Zimbabwe. Thousands have fled the country and hundreds continue to do so daily. The refugees either bribe South African officials or creep through bushes where bandits await to rob and/or rape them. Refugees who make it across must then find employment to send money home; some women prostitute.

Those that remain in Zimbabwe are no better off. One out of five adults is still employed. With no transportation, electricity, and scarce resources, many walk miles to wait endlessly in lines in hope of bread that never arrives. The mortality rate for infants is 51 per 1000 live births. Those who survive are often orphaned as a result of the Aids epidemic and insufficient medical supplies.

In response to the government’s failed attempts to rescue the country, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) organized a meeting to discuss the upcoming election. Veteran politician Edgar Tekere, like many, continues to blame Mugabe for the downward spiral of the country and has attacked his record on human rights. Some 150 people, mainly students and activists of opposition groups like MDC and Zanu, attended the public discussion. However the meeting was disrupted by policemen although it was pre-approved by authorities. The police accused the organizers of using the platform to attack the president.

For more information please see:

AllAfrica- Zimbabwe Police Disrupt Tekere Meeting – 4 October 2007

BBC – Zimbabwe’s Precarious Survival – 8 September 2007

BBC- Zimbabwean Inflation under 7,000% – 18 September 2007