In a move that could be a sign of Zimbabwe opening up to more media freedom, the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe has been given leave by the government to resume its operations.

After a five year ban, the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe has had its operating license reinstated by the Information Ministry. The government has also eased some of its restrictions on the BBC, which is definitely a step toward more transparency in the Zimbabwean government.

This easing of restrictions is likely the result of pressures on the unity government formed by Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai earlier in the year. Due to economic and humanitarian pressures, the Zimbabwean government has had to demonstrate commitment to political reforms in order to receive foreign aid. Part of these reforms has been the establishment of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, which will oversee the implementation of new policies concerning media accreditation in Zimbabwe.

This is the best news for newspapers in Zimbabwe for a long time, with strict licensing laws having been enacted in 2002 by Mugabe’s government. The exact situation in Zimbabwe has been difficult to report on for many years now, so it will be intriguing to see what the newspapers will report on, as they may be concerned about the possibility of getting shut down once more.