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Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected] 

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday lauded Zimbabweans for their unwavering strength and unity in the face of unjust and illegal sanctions imposed by the West for more than two decades. 

Although the US insists the sanctions are targeted, it’s Congress has not repealed the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (Zidera) which stipulates in Section 4  under:

(c)MULTILATERAL FINANCING RESTRICTION: Until the President makes the certification described in subsection (d), and except as may be required to meet basic human needs or for good governance, the Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive director to each international financial institution to oppose and vote against – 

(1) any extension by the respective institution of any loan, credit, or guarantee to the Government of Zimbabwe; or

(2) any cancellation or reduction of indebtedness owed by the Government of Zimbabwe to the United States or any international financial institution. The new list of 11 targeted individuals is just an addition to the sanctions.

In his role as SADC Chairperson, President Mnangagwa voiced the regional bloc’s steadfast support for Zimbabwe and its call for the removal of these illegal sanctions. This unwavering solidarity bolsters the nation’s determination and optimism. 

This year’s commemorations, held at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo yesterday, marked the fifth anniversary of the declaration made by the late President John Magufuli as SADC chairperson in 2019. 

The event’s theme “Embracing Innovation towards Vision 2030: The Relentless Fight against Sanctions” underlined the importance of finding new solutions to combat this obstacle.

Throughout his keynote speech, President Mnangagwa stressed that Zimbabweans’ resilience, resourcefulness, unity and strength will ultimately break the yoke of sanctions and pave the way for a brighter future. “I salute the resolve of the people of this great nation which can never be broken. Our unity, resilience, resourcefulness, and fortitude will ultimately break the grip and albatross of sanctions.

“Together, we are overcoming the negative impact of these unjust and illegal measures. We are emerging more united, focused, hardworking, and innovative as we build a stronger economy and society.

“The people of our motherland, both here at home and in the diaspora, are a testament to the indisputable truth in our national development philosophy that indeed ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, igonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President paid homage to SADC and friendly countries for standing with Zimbabwe. He added that as a member of SADC, Zimbabwe is committed to working closely with other regional countries for the collective good and shared prosperity.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Zimbabwe, I express my profound gratitude to the SADC region, the broader African continent, and other progressive countries, as well as the United Nations, who continue to stand in solidarity with us against these illegal sanctions. Your unwavering solidarity is a source of our hope and resilience.

“Sanctions are strangling our economy, undermining our right to self-determination, and compromising the achievement of the collective development aspirations of our country. 

“Further, they have limited our ability to trade freely, restricted access to international financial support, stifled investment and reduced our ability to adequately invest in social services.

“This has, in turn, negatively affected the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, particularly women, children, and the vulnerable. 

“Illegal sanctions are impairing our quest to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.”

However, he noted that in the face of these realities, it is the individual and collective duty to redouble efforts to increase production, productivity, and transformational projects for the prosperity of Zimbabwe.

“Our strength lies in our unity, harmony, and mutually beneficial relations within the community of nations. Despite the existence of the heinous and inhumane illegal sanctions, my Administration will continue to pursue the policy of engagement and re-engagement. Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none.”

President Mnangagwa said that Zimbabwe strongly condemns the hegemonic tendencies and hypocrisy of those nations which continue to think that “might is right” and brutally violate international law and the United Nations Charter without shame or remorse.

“On behalf of the Government and our ruling Zanu-PF Party, I extend appreciation for the solidarity, support, and principled stance taken against sanctions by my fellow Zimbabweans, who have also remained united and peace-loving.

“Your unflinching resolve, determination, and hard honest work, as well as the unwavering commitment you always demonstrate to build our country, is inspirational. ‘Nyika inovakwa inotongwa, igonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.”

President Mnangagwa also signed the electronic petition demanding the removal of illegal sanctions. The petition seeks one million signatures.

The United Nations has long condemned the illegal sanctions, and its Special Rapporteur, Professor Alena Douhan, was tasked by the global body to research the impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe. In 2021, she visited the country and concluded that these measures were unjustified.

During her official visit from October 18-28, 2021, Prof Douhan examined the effects of unilateral sanctions on the enjoyment of human rights and the right to development in Zimbabwe. She found that sanctions, including secondary sanctions and various forms of over-compliance by foreign banks and companies, had significantly impacted both the population and the Government.