Foreign minister lashes out at land invaders

Zimbabwe’s foreign minister lashed out at land invaders in central Zimbabwe at the weekend, saying that their actions could compromise the Nigerian-brokered land deal between Zimbabwe and Britain, news reports said on Monday. On Saturday a group of pro-government supporters were reported to have invaded a farm in Beatrice, 40 km south of Harare, assaulted 12 farm workers and burned down 20 staff houses.

“This is not acceptable. It’s intolerable,” Stan Mudenge was quoted as saying at a press conference. Mudenge said the invasions were not reflective of government policy. “It’s no way an indication we do not respect Abuja,” he said. “We will carry on with our commitment.”

Zimbabwe last week signed an agreement in Abuja, Nigeria, committing itself to lawful land acquisition in return for Britain’s assistance in funding land reforms. Britain pledged to pay for white farms on condition that the Zimbabwean government put an end to illegal farm occupations which have in many cases turned violent.

On Sunday President Robert Mugabe was quoted as saying that he accepted the Abuja agreement in principle, but said it first had to be approved by his cabinet and ruling ZANU-PF party. “It’s a victory for us, but also for the farmers who need to be compensated,” Mugabe said, adding: “The acquisition of land will go ahead with support from the international community and from Britain.”