Danida back in zim 10 years later

Comment & Analysis
DENMARK and the Danish International Development Agency (Danida) are back in Zimbabwe 10 years after quitting the country when relations between the Danish and Zanu PF government turned sour due to sharp political differences. 

The Danish flag was last Friday hoisted in the country for the first time since the embassy closed in 2002. Charge d’Affaires at the Danish embassy in Harare, Ketil Karlsen, told The Standard that US$43 million has since been committed for development activities in Zimbabwe in 2011 alone through Danida, making Denmark one of the top five bilateral donors in the country.

He said the government of national unity (GNU) and the current reform processes provide hope for a better and democratic Zimbabwe. “Zimbabwe has a huge potential waiting to be released,” he said. “The country must take decisive steps to ensure democratic and economic reforms and take a careful look at the current policies in order to attract private sector investment. We are here to assist.”

Karlsen said Denmark does not support any particular political party in the country. “We are here to build bridges,” said Karlsen. Denmark does not favour any political party but is there to help those who want to build a prosperous Zimbabwe.”

When Denmark closed its embassy, the government accused the Danish of planning to cause discontent and revolt in Zimbabwe by actively supporting the then opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

The Danish however, denied the claims. Karlsen commended the parties to the GNU for holding the recent anti-violence indaba where the country’s three principals spoke against political violence and urged their supporters to exercise peace and tolerance.

— BY PATRICE MAKOVA