Anti-sanctions movement against conditional ZIDERA repeal

The Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) Zimbabwe has criticised ongoing efforts in the United States Congress to repeal the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA), calling the move "stringent and politicised."

In a statement, CAES warned that the proposed repeal, reportedly linked to demands for Zimbabwe to settle billions in compensation for former commercial farmers and clear arrears under US-defined conditions, amounts to continued economic coercion.

"What is being presented as a repeal is, in fact, an extraction," said CAES national spokesperson Simphiwe Vuyelwa Mguni.

"It is Washington demanding payment before it returns what it has unjustly withheld for over two decades - access to credit, development finance, and economic dignity."

Enacted in 2001, ZIDERA has served as the legal basis for the United States to block Zimbabwe's access to multilateral funding, citing concerns over political and economic reforms. CAES argues that the law has inflicted widespread suffering, stifled development, and punished ordinary citizens.

"To now demand compensation from Zimbabwe before lifting restrictions is morally bankrupt and a grotesque inversion of justice. This is not generosity; it is leverage disguised as largesse," Mguni said.

CAES is calling for an unconditional repeal of ZIDERA, coupled with genuine debt relief and development support to assist Zimbabwe in achieving economic recovery.

The organisation also urged African regional blocs, including the African Union, to demand transparency regarding any US legislative moves and to resist attempts to manipulate Zimbabwe's economic sovereignty.

Zimbabwe is currently pursuing debt clearance and re-engagement with international financial institutions as part of its broader economic recovery agenda.