Publication

This report discusses Operation Murambatsvina, a violent operation against "illegal" housing and trade launched by the regime of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in early 2005. The report argues that the operation, marketed by the regime as a means of reasserting the rule of law in fact violated international law and was likely intended to eliminate political opposition and quell social unrest. The report assesses internal and external reaction to the operation and closes by calling on the international community to formulate policies that will help to resolve Zimbabwe's core problems which stem from a colonial heritage, years of failed governance, political violence, and a collapsed economy.