Zimbabwe

Probably the most complex governance crisis in the region, Zimbabwe has consistently been in the international media headlines for human rights abuses, torture, and economic meltdown over the past ten years. With the signing of the Global Political Agreement in September 2008, and the formation of the inclusive government in early 2009, the situation has stabilized somewhat, but there is still a long road of recovery ahead of the country.

Gripped in a major governance, economic and humanitarian crisis that has seen inflation soar to record-breaking levels, Zimbabwe's economy had entirely collapsed prior to the 2009 signing of the Global Political Agreement.

Political violence was rampant and has become almost institutionalised by the State. Although much of the violence that characterised the last three elections has now died down, there continue to be abductions of civic actors and those who are involved in opposition politics.
The judiciary has been under systematic attack from ruling party politicians who have forced judges to resign, and replaced them by partisan appointees.

Gender gains made through the historic Legal Age of Majority Act of 1982, which equalised the status of the sexes, have all but been reversed through revisionist legal pronouncements, an increase in discriminative practice against women, as well as increase vulnerability of women through violence and internal displacement.

Corruption has increased exponentially in large part due to the collapse of the economy.
State institutions have been militarised over the last ten years and the public sphere is virtually dominated and controlled by militias in the pay of the ruling party.

NGOs have demonstrated a remarkable resilience, persevering against all odds despite operating in a hostile environment.
The threat of gains made by civil society organisations in advancing the macro issues of political and economic governance have in large measure been diverted in recent years to dealing with humanitarian aid because of the desperation of ordinary people who have been deprived of basic needs.

However, the country seems to be on the mend, with a constitution-making process almost underway and fresh elections proposed for 2010.