Dilemmas of International Nongovernmental Organisations Operating in Post-2000 Zimbabwe

Abstract

The operation of international nongovernmental organisations (INGOs) in authoritarian regimes has received scholarly attention lately. These organisations were repressed and, in most cases, experienced several dilemmas. The dilemmas case experienced by INGOs operating in post-2000 Zimbabwe has not received any attention. This paper describes the nature of the dilemmas INGOs have experienced in their humanitarian and developmental call of duty in post-2000 Zimbabwe. The aim is to contribute to a body of knowledge on the INGO dilemmas in an authoritarian polity environment. The paper uses a qualitative case study of INGOs operating in post-2000 Zimbabwe to explore and describe the nature of dilemmas they experience. In-depth interviews were conducted on a sample of ten INGO officials selected from the array of INGOs operating in Zimbabwe. The study identified that INGO dilemmas revolved around speaking out versus not speaking out on state brutality, weaponisation and politicisation of food aid and bad governance. They also experienced dilemmas such as whether to uphold political neutrality or not, to violate or not to violate the INGO-State terms of engagement, and to perform other tasks legally or illegally. For as long as people have felt the urge to help others, they have seen risks and faced dilemmas in doing so. - Hugo Slim (18/3/1996).