Countries Push For Lifting Of Zimbabwe Sanctions

The southern African regional bloc, Sadc, has called for the “unconditional and immediate” lifting of all sanctions against the Zimbabwean government.

“As Sadc, we are concerned by the continuation of sanctions on some individuals or entities of Zimbabwe,” said a statement by Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera, who is the chairperson of the organisation that brings together 16 sub-Saharan countries.

Mr Chakwera said the “prolonged” sanctions have hindered Zimbabwe’s prospects of “economic recovery, human security and sustainable growth”.

Zimbabwe has been under economic sanctions from the US and the European Union (EU) since 2002. Both parties cited a lack of progress in democratic and human rights reforms as well as restrictions on press freedoms.

The sanctions target specific individuals and companies, and the government blames them for the country's economic problems.

The Sadc statement said Zimbabwe and the regional bloc were committed to talks with the relevant players to enhance democracy, governance, and human rights.

On Monday, crowds of people took to the streets all over Zimbabwe to mark the Anti-sanctions Day, set aside by Sadc for member states to stand in solidarity with Zimbabwe and collectively call for the unconditional lifting of the embargo. 

In the capital Harare, a local anti-sanctions lobby group Broad Alliance Against Sanctions (BAAS) held a peaceful demonstration at the United States Embassy calling for the removal of sanctions.