Security Overview for Zimbabwe

A former British colony, Zimbabwe is one of the more developed countries in southern Africa. However, because of gross government mismanagement, its position is eroding as the economy contracts. The inflation rate reached an all-time high of 782 percent during Feb. 2006. Deteriorating economic conditions have led to violent protests, demonstrations and an increasing rate of crime.

A controversial land expropriation scheme, launched in February 2000, triggered ongoing political violence in the countryside, symptomatic of a general breakdown in the rule of law. During the latter parts of 2005 and early-2006, incidents of farm violence occurred again following the government's controversial 2005 land reform legislation. Under the plan, the government basically claimed ownership of all land in the country. This resulted in great uncertainty for all property owners.

Street crime, including petty theft, muggings, and pickpocketing, is common in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Victoria Falls. Although most incidents are not violent, assailants increasingly use knives or guns to intimidate their victims. Travelers are specifically targeted due to their perceived wealth. Criminals commonly follow foreigners on the street or observe them in public places until the opportunity for crime presents itself. Security in rural areas is compromised by political violence targeting commercial white-owned farms. Numerous game reserves and lodges have seen violence or have closed. Avoid any occupied commercial farms. Reconfirm your lodging immediately prior to departure for Zimbabwe.

A private car with driver is the most secure transportation; hotel and telephone-dispatched taxis are adequate. Negotiate a fare in advance because taxi drivers often try to price-gouge unsuspecting foreigners. Avoid public buses; they are overcrowded, poorly maintained and plagued by pickpockets. Drivers reportedly have operated buses while intoxicated and many are extremely tired after driving for long periods without mandatory rest stops. Limit overland travel to daylight hours with a professional guide.

Zimbabwe has serious nationwide shortages in basic commodities such as electricity, fuel, diesel, cornmeal, sugar, cooking oil and bread. Since March 2006, even Coca-Cola and other soft drinks have been in short supply. Carefully assess the fuel and food situation before setting out on long-distance journeys and keep tanks topped off as much as possible. The fuel shortages are affecting public transportation and taxis in urban areas, causing a rise in the price of services and escalation in crime due to extreme poverty and food shortages. Use only water from trusted sources (such as prominent hotels and bottled water) to avoid hygiene problems or serious disease such as cholera.

The unstable socioeconomic and political structures cause civil unrest and internal strife. Land resettlement acts, whereby black farmers are granted land owned by white farmers, have caused violent race-related incidents since 2001. Government security forces do little to protect white farmers and their land. This situation is aggravated by the 2005 land reform act, effectively giving the government ownership of all land. Many blame President Robert Mugabe for the situation and for much of the violence that plagues its citizens.

The November 2005 split in the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) resulted in two opposition factions, each of which elected a strong leader. Both these opposition leaders in March 2006 announced renewed plans to oust the Mugabe regime through mass action. With students demonstrating against tuition increases since mid-March, continued food and commodity shortages, world-record inflation, political oppression, extremely high HIV/AIDS figures and over 70 percent unemployment, political analysts believe the situation in Zimbabwe is ripe for renewed mass action during 2006 or early 2007.

Due to the deteriorating economic situation, thousands of police and security force officers and soldiers have allegedly either resigned or merely left their jobs. As a result, the government during March 2006 placed a ban on security force resignations until an officer has served a period of 10 years. In addition, thousands of Zimbabwean citizens are fleeing the country weekly. Most have gone to South Africa where they believe they will receive food and employment.

There is little threat of international terrorist activity in Zimbabwe. There is a prevailing threat of kidnapping for ransom or political gain in Zimbabwe, especially considering the poor socio-economic and security situation in the country.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.