Zimbabwe has received another round of humanitarian food aid, this time from Belarus, as the country grapples with a severe drought affecting millions of its citizens.
The donation comes shortly after similar assistance from China and India, highlighting Zimbabwe’s urgent need for international support despite the government’s claims of vast wealth.
An estimated 9.2 million Zimbabweans – more than half the population – are in urgent need of food aid. The aid package from Belarus includes food, agricultural equipment, clothing, and supplements.
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe received the donation, expressing gratitude for the timely intervention. The government plans to drill boreholes in 35,000 villages to improve water access.
Belarusian Emergency Situations Deputy Minister Ihar Bolatau stated his country’s readiness to assist Zimbabwe, emphasising the desire to see Zimbabwe’s economy grow despite the drought.
However, concerns have been raised about the government’s ability to effectively distribute the aid. Reports suggest many vulnerable households in both rural and urban areas are not receiving the assistance, despite official assurances.
The drought, attributed to the El Nino phenomenon, has severely impacted Zimbabwe’s food security. The situation has forced President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to seek international aid, contradicting its repeated claims of economic prosperity.
As Zimbabwe continues to receive support from various countries, questions remain about the long-term solutions to the nation’s recurring food security challenges.
