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Breakfree Newsletter - June 2007
Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD)
July 03, 2007

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• The G8 Rhetoric: Promises as usual
• Zimbabweans living from hand to mouth as government controls prices & incomes
• Lupane schools commemorate the day of the African child
• From a "grand debate" to grand actions for a united Africa
• IMF chief in surprise resignation

  "Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world. I believe strongly and sincerely that with the deep-rooted wisdom and dignity, the innate respect for human lives, the intense humanity that is our heritage, the African race, united under one federal government, will emerge not as just another world bloc to flaunt its wealth and strength, but as a great power whose greatness is indestructible because it is built not on fear, envy and suspicion, nor won at the expense of others, but founded on hope, trust, friendship and directed to the good of all mankind"
  ~ Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah

Zimbabwe Debt Statistics

Gross Domestic Product US5.9 billion (Dec 2006)
External Debt US$4, 2 billion (Dec 2006)
Arrears & Interests US$2,5billion (Dec 2006)
Domestic debt $2 trillion (May 2007)
Annual Inflation rate 4 530% (May 2007)
Food Basket for a family of 6 Z$ 5,500 000 (May 2007)

Editor's Note

Dear Reader

The 'Grand Debate' on a potential 'United States of Africa' is expected to climax at the 9th Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Governments scheduled for July 2-3, 2007 in Accra, Ghana. The crux of the debate so far is that Africa needs a much more binding union pact that goes beyond the regional formations that have failed to yield sustainable development for the continent over the years.

The pros and cons of the continental-wide government backed by one army, one currency and one passport have been debated at various fora with the African Civil Society groups that met in Accra Ghana late this month, throwing their weight behind the notion of a 'fast-track' Union Government.

What emerges from the debate is that common citizenship, collective diplomacy and collective security, are some of the key ingredients of a truly African integration that will enable Africa to address the common challenges of political and economic exploitation, food insecurity, internal conflicts, amongst others. It has been argued that a federation of African governments will empower the continent with a united, self-determined voice and negotiation capacity that will wield due influence in the global context.

However, caution has to be exercised to ensure that the Union Government will not translate to a united, but weak and dependent Africa. In this issue we publish the Civil Society communiqué from Ghana, as we highlight some of the problems riling Africa ahead of the Grand Debate.

Read on . . .
Editor

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