Britain, in an ironic turn of events, is now actively helping Zimbabwe to rebuild the nation shattered by extended years of alleged bad leadership, policy failures, corruption, human rights abuses and misrule, as well as sanctions mainly lobbied for by London.
Diplomats say the Zimbabwe recovery strategy and roadmap which Britain is supporting has various elements and markers: an economic stabilisation blueprint; fiscal policy shock; the Lima Plan and flying in of assessment missions to check if Harare is ready to negotiate with international financial institutions (IFIs), especially ahead of the annual International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Bali, Indonesia; an International Advisory Council; Harare re-joining the Commonwealth, restoration of military-security co-operation between London and Harare, and securing funding.
Said a Diplomat:
Britain had a transitional plan for Zimbabwe well before (former president Robert) Mugabe was removed.
More: The Zimbabwe Mail