Louis Michel, Contributor

Michel

Robert Mugabe recently fired a shot at the international community, saying its members "could shout as loud as they like", but that it wouldn't make a blind bit of difference to election plans in the country, since it was for the people to decide.

It is very unnerving to find myself agreeing, even if it is just in part, with Mugabe.

Democracy is indeed the voice of the people being heard and respected. It's just that Mugabe has chosen to muffle that democratic voice.

Bloody terror

Mugabe

Let's not forget that Opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai won the first round of elections back in late March. Mugabe and his cronies may like to think that such a resounding call for change can just be forgotten amid the chaos and bloody terror of present-day Zimbabwe - but it cannot. The people of Zimbabwe will not forget. We will not forget. Saturday, March 29 marked the first day of the end of this regime. Mugabe's posturing as a hero of anti-colonialism which once earned him some popularity in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa is fooling no one anymore. The African voices of democracy and justice are being heard.

And let me also point out that the international community has no need to shout because the truth can be heard even when it's a whisper.

The truth is that the international community will continue to stand united with the people of Zimbabwe with actions and not just words. The ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe want, and need, the international community to maintain the pressure on Mugabe and his enforcers.

One of the clearest signals of our intentions to do so would be to publicly commit to a post-Mugabe assistance plan in union with our African partners.

Of course, there are several scenarios that could play out, including that of some form of transitional government. When that time for change comes, which I hope is sooner rather than later, the only guarantee is that any future legitimate government will face an incredibly daunting task of rebuilding a state that has been brought to its knees following years of neglect.

Millions of people are on the brink of starvation - a situation made worse by Mugabe's recent decision to prevent European Commission life-saving humanitarian aid from being distributed. The economy is gasping for its last breath. The inflation rate is out of control, unemployment is the norm rather than the exception. And despite all this, I sincerely believe Zimbabwe has the potential to recover from this crisis as long as Africa, Europe and the rest of the international community stand at the ready.

The European Commission, on behalf of the EU, is the most important donor towards the people of Zimbabwe, providing more than 90 million euros in aid last year that targeted areas from emergency food aid to basic needs in the health and education sectors.

Debt relief

This Zimbabwean street kid shows some of the $200,000 Zimbabwe notes, which ceased to be legal, in downtown Harare, in December last year. The economic plight of the people has been made worse by recent political developments.

Let me, here and now, assure the citizens of Zimbabwe that we are ready to help when change comes - no matter what it takes.

Within the framework of the European Development Fund, the European Commission stands ready with at least 250 million euros available to assist in the stabilisation of the country. This funding could focus on supporting hospitals, schools or on the farming sector that was once the pride of the nation.

Of course, we would work with our partners within SADC and the African Union to identify other key areas of the economy needing our financial, structural and programmed support. One key area will be ensuring significant debt relief to free any incoming and legitimate government of the massive debts accumulated by the Mugabe regime. These are just some of the practical reasons why I would encourage the rest of the international donor community to make it clear today that it is ready to provide substantial and immediate assistance to Zimbabwe in the wake of a transition towards democracy.

But there is a much more fundamental and politically rooted reason that the international community must continue to signal its solidarity towards the citizens of Zimbabwe. Right now, the people on the streets of Harare or in the countryside need to know that there is a vision for their future, and that any transitional government will get the support that it would so inevitably need. These ordinary people need to know that their lives can get better once again. These people need hope.

A brighter future

Such open declarations may also just help to rekindle a spirit of belief among Mugabe supporters, that there is an alternative to the brutal violence being inflicted on their fellow men and women. In short, they may once again be able to believe that even they can be part of building a brighter future for their country.

As Zimbabwe lies battered and bruised from the fist of Mugabe, the country must know that it is surrounded by friends ready to come to its aid: whether from the region of SADC, across the African Union or, of course, here in Europe.

It is essential that we keep repeating our message of reassurance and support during this and democratic and economic coma for Zimbabwe.

And I'd remind Mr Mugabe that we've no need to shout because even with the country in such a desperate state, the truth reaches the people. The truth is that the international community is ready for action with any future legitimate government.

And it's exactly this kind of positive message - one of hope for change, hope for a better life - that Mugabe fears the most.

Louis Michel is European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.