News / Local
Sanctions an obstacle to sustainable development, says Geingob
21 Sep 2023 at 06:06hrs | Views
Namibian President Hage Geingob has called for the immediate removal of punitive and illegal economic sanctions unilaterally imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States and its Western allies. He made this appeal during his speech at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). President Geingob argued that these sanctions are hindering Zimbabwe's progress toward achieving the global 2030 Agenda on sustainable development, which aims to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, and enhance the well-being of people worldwide.
The 2030 Agenda comprises 17 goals adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, outlining a 15-year plan to attain these objectives. Zimbabwe, under President Mnangagwa's leadership, has been making notable progress but continues to face economic challenges due to the burden of sanctions.
President Geingob emphasized the importance of diplomacy and peaceful co-existence, noting that punitive measures imposed on countries like Cuba have caused suffering for their people. He called for the lifting of selective punitive measures against Zimbabwe and Venezuela, which he views as significant obstacles to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
In his address, President Geingob underscored the potential for global collaboration to address pressing challenges, such as climate change, inequality, pandemics, and conflicts. He stressed the need for unity and cooperation among nations to build a world where no one feels excluded.
The Namibian President's plea aligns with the theme of the General Debate, "Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability for all."
President Geingob's call echoes a similar appeal made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who also urged the unconditional lifting of Western-imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe. These sanctions have had a detrimental impact on Zimbabwe's economy, affecting both its citizens and neighboring countries. African leaders and others in the international community have consistently called for the removal of these sanctions, which have resulted in significant economic losses and hindered foreign investments in Zimbabwe.
The 2030 Agenda comprises 17 goals adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, outlining a 15-year plan to attain these objectives. Zimbabwe, under President Mnangagwa's leadership, has been making notable progress but continues to face economic challenges due to the burden of sanctions.
President Geingob emphasized the importance of diplomacy and peaceful co-existence, noting that punitive measures imposed on countries like Cuba have caused suffering for their people. He called for the lifting of selective punitive measures against Zimbabwe and Venezuela, which he views as significant obstacles to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
The Namibian President's plea aligns with the theme of the General Debate, "Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability for all."
President Geingob's call echoes a similar appeal made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who also urged the unconditional lifting of Western-imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe. These sanctions have had a detrimental impact on Zimbabwe's economy, affecting both its citizens and neighboring countries. African leaders and others in the international community have consistently called for the removal of these sanctions, which have resulted in significant economic losses and hindered foreign investments in Zimbabwe.
Source - The Herald
