Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Harare (Agenzia Fides)- The government decision to enforce a 50% cut in retail prices has thrown Zimbabwe economy into chaos. Newspapers in Harare, the capital, describe a dramatic situation with foods shops with nothing to sell.
Last week with inflation out of control (300% a week), Zimbabwean authorities decided to enforce 50% cut in prices of prime necessities. Government inspectors and police and youth militia close to President Robert Mugabe have been mobilised to see the measure is respected.
Some shopkeepers prefer to stayed closed to avoid control. This has led to a black market sales with higher prices. The government's decision could aggravate a situation already undermined by high inflation, widespread unemployment and a collapse in agricultural and industrial production. According to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industrialists the country's industrial production is one third of what it was in 2000.
To keep popular malcontent and political opposition under control the government makes increasing use of force. Christians in Zimbabwe recently condemned reported torture of persons arrested. Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg South Africa also condemned the use of torture. “The South African Bishops know what apartheid did to the spirit of their people” said Bishop Dowling, speaking in Bulawayo, second largest city in Zimbabwe. “Our people suffered, some disappeared, others were killed. God was not with the apartheid regime, God is not with the regime in Zimbabwe” the Bishop concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 4/7/2007 righe 26 parole 302)
