THEMATIC OVERVIEW
Theme: Militarisation of food aid
There is a disturbing trend of the involvement of the military in the distribution of food aid. There is
danger that food aid can be used as a non-lethal weapon designed “to win the hearts and minds of the
starving citizens” ahead of the 2018 elections. It has been observed in other humanitarian emergencies
that military-led humanitarian and development activities are often driven by political interests and
short-term security objectives which are often ineffective, wasteful and potentially harmful to citizens.
The presence of the military at food distribution points instils fear in citizens and has the potential to
compromise the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality. Blurring the lines
between humanitarian and military actors can compromise neutrality and independence as well as
restrict humanitarian access. International best practice notes that the military should be requested only
where there is no comparable civilian alternative and in cases where only the use of military assets can
meet a critical humanitarian need. Section 213 of the Zimbabwean Constitution provides for the
deployment of the military in emergency or disaster situations. In as much as it is acknowledged that
the military can play a legitimate and at times vital role in supporting humanitarian relief efforts, its
involvement should be in line with core humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence. The
distribution of food and other forms of aid should be driven by humanitarian needs and not by political
imperatives.
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