The West only discovers property rights when the landowners are white
Summary
Zimbabwe’s government announced it will return 67 farms seized in its land reform program to European owners from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. This move is part of Zimbabwe’s effort to improve ties with Western countries and international lenders while addressing land disputes linked to past policies.Key Facts
- Zimbabwe will return 67 farms to European nationals based on agreements made before the land seizures.
- The land reform program happened in the early 2000s and involved seizing land from white commercial farmers.
- The government wants to restore relationships with Western governments and financial institutions.
- Zimbabwe is working to restructure about $11.7 billion in foreign debt.
- The International Monetary Fund approved a support program for Zimbabwe’s reforms and debt restructuring in May 2024.
- Zimbabwe signed a $3.5 billion compensation deal in 2020 with former white farmers for improvements made on the farms.
- The European claims receive legal protection under bilateral treaties, while African land claims from colonial times do not have the same legal backing.
- The article discusses the historical context of colonial land seizure and its ongoing impact on property rights in Zimbabwe.
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