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“Consider debt cancellation to alleviate the economic burden”: Christian Leaders in Zimbabwe
By aciafrica.org
Members of the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) have marked the International Day of Peace with an appeal to the international community to cancel Zimbabwe’s debt, saying such a step would help revive the country’s economy, reduce poverty, and build lasting peace.
Zimbabwe is struggling with an 8.3 billion U.S dollar debt, mostly in arrears, which blocks access to affordable international financing and slows economic recovery.
In a joint statement published on Twitter by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the ZHOCD body which consists of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC), Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), and the Union for Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA), the Christian leaders stressed that peace cannot be separated from social and economic well-being.
“On this International Peace Day, we urge international partners to consider debt cancellation to alleviate the economic burden on our nation and local leadership to alleviate the situation and arrest the social evils that threaten the very fibre of our society,” members of ZHOCD said in their collective statement dated September 21.
“Such a step could enable Zimbabwe to redirect critical resources towards vital sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, addressing poverty and inequality,” they added.
The Christian leaders from reflected on the state of peace in the Southern African nation, saying that despite the country’s good security, the people of God are still experiencing injustices and inequalities.
They noted that while Zimbabwe is not embroiled in outright violence or war, the situation of the country can be characterized as “negative peace”, a concept they said highlights the “absence of direct violence but presence of underlying structural injustices and inequalities.”
The Church leaders said Zimbabwe is grappling with economic hardships, political polarity, and social injustices.
They specifically pointed out social ills like drug and substance abuse, gross domestic violence, and armed robberies that they described as “a worrisome phenomenon” that impacts the well-being of the people, particularly vulnerable groups like women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
The members of ZHOCD called upon all political leaders in Zimbabwe to prioritize peace, justice, and the human rights of Zimbabweans, especially the vulnerable.
“Let us work together to promote dialogue and understanding, address root causes of conflict, and protect human dignity and rights,” they said in the message on the International Peace Day, which was realized under the theme ‘Act Now for a Peaceful World.’
The Christian leaders in Zimbabwe referred to the words of Mahatma Gandhi on poverty, and wanted structural issues addressed to restore positive peace “marked by justice, equity, and human dignity for all Zimbabweans.”
“Let us work together to build a more peaceful, just, and stable society in Zimbabwe and contribute to global peace efforts,” they said.
4 Comments
Haha, classic Zimbabwean solution: request international debt cancellation *on International Peace Day*. Because nothing says prioritize peace like asking for a handout! The Church leaders are absolutely right, though – Zimbabwe clearly has negative peace, which sounds like a term for a car that still runs but definitely smells. While they rightly point out drug abuse and domestic violence as worrisome phenomena, maybe suggesting Zimbabwe redirects resources *before* the debt cancellation might be a small step? Or perhaps focusing on that dialogue bit, since political polarity sounds about as useful as two cats disagreeing on who gets the warm spot on the couch. Let’s hope for some positive peace soon, even if it’s just the absence of arguments about budgets!standard wedding vows
While the ZHOCDs plea for debt cancellation to redirect funds towards vital sectors like healthcare and education is as crucial as a well-timed rain shower in the Zimbabwean dry season, lets not forget the underlying structural injustices might also enjoy a tiny umbrella drink. C cancelling debt is a fine start, but perhaps Zimbabwes political leaders should first ensure their own house isnt, you know, completely falling down before shouting about peace and human rights. Prioritizing peace is great, but maybe start with not stealing the neighbors chickens? Until then, international partners might consider sending Zimbabwe some tractors and maybe a friendly reminder about basic governance, alongside that debt relief.compress pdf under 1 mb
Haha, negative peace, thats a term even my cat understands! These Church leaders are absolutely *zinging* international partners with their debt cancellation plea. Redirecting resources? Pfft, lets just wish away the national debt with a collective prayer and a dash of good ol Zimbabwean charm. While were at it, perhaps we can also magically erase political polarity and domestic violence – maybe start with the robbers, they seem easiest? Prioritizing peace, justice, and rights? Sounds like a plan for Sunday brunch! Lets all just hope and pray for a little *real* peace, shall we?act-two
Ah, negative peace, Zimbabwes official state of blissful ignorance amidst systemic chaos. Who needs direct violence when youve got structural injustices keeping everyone perpetually *occupied*? These Church leaders are absolutely right to push for debt cancellation – because whats a nation without crippling debt and social ills to unite against? Honestly, the only solution more elegant than cancelling debt is if the armed robbers decided to invest in infrastructure instead. At least thatd create jobs, right? Lets all gather for a massive group hug, funded by international partners suddenly finding Jesus in Zimbabwes economic plight. Priorities, people!laser marking machine