Zimbabwe Passes The Suppression Of Foreign And International Terrorism Act.

The Zimbabwe Government passed into law, on the 3 rd of August 2007, the Suppression of Foreign and International Terrorism Bill. The Act seeks to punish people engaged in terrorist and mercenary activities. The legislation also criminalises the recruitment, training or possession of weapons for the purpose of carrying out terrorist activities.

Previously Zimbabwe did not have legislation that was specifically targeted at fighting terrorism, however this did not stop Zimbabwe from actively participating in the international war against terrorism and mercenaries. It may be recalled that on the 7 th of August, 69 mercenaries on their way to oust the Government of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in Equatorial Guinea were arrested at the Harare International Airport.

As a member of regional organisations such as the Southern Africa Regional Police Co-operation Organisation ( SARPCO) and Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) Zimbabwe is also contributing to the broader fight against terrorism and mercenary activities.