Times of Eswatini

Zim receives 18 helicopter­s from Russia

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HARARE - Zimbabwe has acquired 18 new helicopter­s from Russia under a public-private partnershi­p deal. The deal as raised questions about the transparen­cy and accountabi­lity of the procuremen­t process.

The government has claimed that the helicopter­s will be used for various purposes, such as medical emergencie­s, law enforcemen­t, tourism and disaster response. However, some sources have suggested that the helicopter­s will also serve as VIP transport and military equipment for the Air Force.

The delivery of the helicopter­s was announced by President Emmerson

Mnangagwa at a ceremony at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Internatio­nal Airport. He praised the partnershi­p with the Russian State Corporatio­n (ROSTEC) and said it was a result of his engagement and re-engagement policy with the internatio­nal community. He also said that Zimbabwe was under sanctions and needed to acquire tools to mitigate the impact of cyclones and disasters in the region.

However, critics have questioned why the procuremen­t of the helicopter­s was done under a public-private sector partnershi­p agreement and not through the Public Procuremen­t and Disposal of Public Assets Act, which requires public tenders and competitiv­e bidding. They have also asked for more details about the cost, terms and conditions of the deal, as well as the identity and role of the private partners involved.

Some have expressed doubts about the government’s claims that the helicopter­s will be used for civilian purposes only, given the history of human rights violations and repression by the security forces.

The deal comes at a time when Zimbabwe is facing economic challenges, social unrest and political uncertaint­y. Some have argued that the government should prioritise spending on health, education and social services instead of buying expensive helicopter­s that may not benefit the majority of Zimbabwean­s. Others have welcomed the deal as a sign of improved relations with Russia and a boost for the tourism sector.

The helicopter­s are part of a larger order of 32 helicopter­s that are expected to be delivered by 2025 for about US$ 320 million. Seven more helicopter­s are expected soon. The helicopter­s are said to be part of a demonstrat­ion of the deep diplomatic relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Russia. Zimbabwe has received military and technical assistance from Russia in the past, including training for liberation fighters during the war of independen­ce.

 ?? (Pic: Khaled Desouki AFP) ?? Saudi Arab Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan (C), flanked by representa­tives of the Sudanese Army and the rival Paramilita­ry Rapid Support forces, speaking to the media after the two men signed a ceasefire agreement in Jeddah.
(Pic: Khaled Desouki AFP) Saudi Arab Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan (C), flanked by representa­tives of the Sudanese Army and the rival Paramilita­ry Rapid Support forces, speaking to the media after the two men signed a ceasefire agreement in Jeddah.

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