'Sanctions debate in Parliament to continue,' says Zanu-PF

The issue of sanctions being debated in Parliament will continue despite MDC-T opposition as the matter is key to the country's development agenda in the next five years, Zanu-PF has said.

Zanu-PF Deputy Chief Whip, Mandy Chimene told the state media that although the MDC-T has sought to downplay the issue, it is surprising that the party's representatives in the House of Assembly come to support a position which has destroyed Zimbabwean people's livelihoods and the economy.

The Member of Parliament for Mberengwa West, Makhosini Hlongwane, who moved the motion on the sanctions, said as representatives directly elected by the suffering people, it is crucial that parliamentarians realise the urgency with which the issue must be tackled.

Analysts have also warned that as government seeks to rebuild the national economy, infrastructure and other key sectors such as agriculture and mining, the illegal sanctions will remain a key obstacle to the development agenda if they are not removed.