Summary
A small group of white Zimbabwean farmers have accepted a compensation deal from the government for land seized during a land reform in 2000. The deal involves a partial cash payment and bonds, while the majority of farmers are not satisfied and continue to seek total cash compensation.
Key Facts
- In 2000, Zimbabwe's land reform program led to the seizure of farms owned by about 2,500 white farmers.
- The reform was intended to return land to the original black inhabitants but caused economic issues and tensions with Western countries.
- The current deal offers compensation for improvements on the land, like buildings and infrastructure, not the land itself.
- The total compensation is set at $3.5 billion, but only $3.1 million has been paid in cash so far for 378 farms.
- Most of the payment will be through bonds that mature in 10 years, with 2% interest paid twice yearly.
- Many farmers are unhappy with the bonds due to concerns about their future value.
- Some farmers believe the UK should help negotiate a better deal.
- President Mnangagwa is promoting the deal to improve relations and address previous conflicts.
