VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHSB #1135 3541050
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 191050Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY HARARE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3847
UNCLAS HARARE 001135
SIPDIS
AF/S FOR B. WALCH
S/CT FOR RHONDA SHORE AND NCTC
NCTC: RUEILB/NCTC WASHINGTON DC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER ASEC ZI
SUBJECT: ZIMBABWE: 2008 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM
REF: STATE 120019
1. (U) Despite the Government of Zimbabwe's self-imposed
isolation on most diplomatic issues, local intelligence and
criminal investigative agencies were responsive to our
counterterrorism needs. Government agencies routinely
provided assistance by conducting investigative inquiries,
traces, and border checks of individuals thought to be
threats to USG facilities or personnel. However, Zimbabwe's
continued economic decline has had a detrimental impact on
local law enforcement and national security elements that are
responsible for implementing and coordinating
counterterrorism efforts.
2. (U) Although generally cooperative, the Zimbabwe Republic
Police (ZRP) in October suspended armed police coverage of
the Embassy and USAID compounds in Harare. Attempts to enter
into a dialogue with the ZRP and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs to resolve the issue have proven unsuccessful.
3. (U) The Suppression of Foreign and International
Terrorism Bill, enacted in August 2007 to combat terrorism
and mercenary activities in Zimbabwe, has been redirected to
suppress the political opposition. Between late October and
early November, 15 members of the opposition Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) party were abducted and held
incommunicado on allegations of receiving training in
terrorism, sabotage, and banditry in Botswana. An additional
15 MDC and civil society members have since been abducted by
armed, plainclothes men. The ZRP has denied holding any of
the abductees.
4. (U) EMBASSY POC: ANDREW SCHUT (schutah@state.gov).
DHANANI