§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of(a) the New Partnership for African Development and (b) the Africa Union in promoting democracy in Zimbabwe. [93858]
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§ Clare ShortThe New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) commits African leaders to the promotion of good governance, human rights and democracy. It is a new process and obviously cannot overnight correct all governance problems in Africa such as those in Zimbabwe. The African Union has to reflect the views of all African states. It has traditionally been reluctant to comment on the internal affairs of a member state, although there are encouraging indications that this attitude is changing. The UK government continues to work with African governments and regional initiatives and institutions to promote good governance, human rights and democracy. We should not of course punish all of Africa for the situation in Zimbabwe.