Zimbabwe Roundup: New gold currency, hunger crisis, drug trafficking

Drought disaster in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is facing several challenges, including a severe drought. The country has declared a state of disaster due to a severe drought, leading President Mnangagwa to call for $2 billion in humanitarian aid. This comes as the El Nino-induced drought has left millions in need of food assistance in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. The United Nations is already providing food aid, but the situation is expected to worsen as more people will likely require assistance, AP News reports.

Fight against drug trafficking

Zimbabwe just like many countries on the African continent is grappling with the misuse and smuggling of hard drugs or cannabis. According to New Zimbabwe, border post authorities in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe, recovered 20 kilogrammes of dagga valued at ZW$20 million from a smuggling syndicate transporting the drugs from South Africa on March 31, 2024. This move highlights the challenges posed by illegal activities in the country.

Introduction of gold-backed currency

Zimbabwe has introduced a new gold-backed currency called Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), with denominations ranging from 1 to 200 and an exchange rate of US$1: ZiG13.56. CAJ News Africa reports that the introduction of this currency aims to address economic instability and hyperinflation that led to the abandonment of the Zimbabwean dollar in 2009. This is not surprising because President Mnangagwa has long expressed his displeasure with the dollar's performance in Zimbabwe.

1978 massacre

The survivors of one of the worst massacres recorded in Zimbabwe, the Kamungoma massacre, shared emotional stories of the 1978 massacre during the unveiling of the Kamungoma Liberation War Shrine by President Mnangagwa on April 4. Their testimonies emphasised the importance of preserving Zimbabwe's history and sovereignty. Although there is a record of over 3o survivors of the massacre, The Herald reveals that a number of them lost either limbs or drank human blood for survival.

Hunger crisis

Catholic Bishops in Zimbabwe are urging people and humanitarian organisations to come together to provide food aid and prevent deaths from droughts plaguing the country. They are calling for assistance to be given without politicising the situation and to maintain the dignity of those in need. President Mnangagwa has also asked for help from humanitarian organisations and plans to import grain to alleviate the hunger crisis caused by the El Nino-induced drought, New Zimbabwe reports.