Trump Signals Possible U.S. Support for Compensation of White Farmers in Zimbabwe
Discussion is growing around whether the United States could support compensation efforts linked to Zimbabwe’s past land seizures.
During Zimbabwe’s land reform programme in the early 2000s, thousands of white-owned commercial farms were taken over by the state and redistributed. The policy was meant to address colonial-era land ownership imbalances, but it led to sanctions, international disputes and long legal battles over compensation.
Recent diplomatic talk has focused on Zimbabwe’s plan to compensate former farm owners for improvements made on the land (such as buildings and infrastructure), not for the land itself. Reports suggest Washington has shown interest in supporting a settlement framework that could help Zimbabwe normalise relations with Western countries and unlock international financing.
Under a Trump-style foreign policy approach, backing a compensation arrangement would fit a strategy of resolving disputes, restoring economic stability in Southern Africa and opening trade opportunities.
No final agreement has been confirmed, but the issue is being watched closely because a compensation deal could affect sanctions, investment and Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with global financial institutions.
M21