White farmers in Zimbabwe, whose land was seized during state-backed invasions starting in 2000, are seeking U.S. support to secure 3.5 billion US dollars in compensation, Bloomberg reported, citing Foreign Agents Registration Act filings. Mercury Public Affairs LLC, a lobbying firm with ties to former President Donald Trump, has agreed to advocate for the farmers at no charge.

Johannesburg-based OB Projects Management Corp., led by Dror Besserglik, is coordinating the effort. In a Dec. 2 letter to Mercury partner Bryan Lanza, Besserglik said OB Projects represents the Property and Farm Compensation Association (Profca) and aims to lobby U.S. officials and Congress on behalf of the farmers. The letter also mentioned the Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) and other groups, though CFU President Liam Philp told Bloomberg their inclusion was a “mistake.”

The land seizures began after then-President Robert Mugabe encouraged invasions by Black subsistence farmers and youths following a failed referendum. Around 4,000 White farmers were removed, and some were killed along with hundreds of farmworkers. At the time, Zimbabwe was a major exporter of tobacco, paprika, and flowers. Western sanctions, including from the U.S., followed, restricting access to international capital and contributing to economic collapse.

Mnangagwa’s government pledged in 2020 to pay 3.5 billion US dollars in compensation but has not fulfilled the commitment. Mercury has been asked to lobby for debt clearance and financing arrangements to fund the payments. Zimbabwe currently owes at least 21 billion US dollars  to creditors including the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and the Paris Club.

The compensation push has drawn U.S. political support. Florida Congressman Brian Mast introduced legislation in September to block Zimbabwe from accessing new IMF and World Bank funding until payments are made. The bill passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee but has not advanced further. Requests for comment from Mercury, Profca, OB Projects, and Zimbabwean treasury officials were not answered.