SADC, AU denounce Western imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe

The African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have both lent their voices to the call for the unconditional removal of Western-imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe. Thousands of Zimbabweans participated in peaceful marches across provinces to protest against these debilitating sanctions.

The region's solidarity with Zimbabwe and its demand for the immediate lifting of sanctions stem from growing concerns about the ongoing adverse effects these sanctions have on the country and the broader African continent.

SADC's Anti-Sanctions Day, established at its 39th Summit on the recommendation of the late Tanzanian President, John Pombe Magufuli, carried the theme "Harnessing the youth for accelerated socio-economic development in the fight against sanctions." It witnessed numerous people from across the nation participating in well-organized marches in their respective provinces to condemn the sanctions.

In a statement, SADC emphasized that the targeted sanctions aimed at specific individuals in Zimbabwe have had a detrimental impact on the country over the past two decades, hindering its progress across various sectors. These sanctions have tarnished Zimbabwe's reputation and limited its access to financial and capital markets.

The African Union (AU) has also reaffirmed its demand for the immediate and unconditional lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe, affecting SADC as a whole. The AU Commission's Chairperson, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed deep concern about the negative impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe's socio-economic development, particularly amidst global food and energy crises and post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.

Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga led the main anti-sanctions event in Harare, while in Bulawayo, scores of people marched from Baines Primary School to the Inxwala Site. There, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, represented by the provincial Permanent Secretary, Mr. Paul Nyoni, addressed the crowd, highlighting the devastating effects of sanctions on the country's socio-economic development. She encouraged youth to take the lead in the fight against sanctions to help Zimbabwe achieve its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030.

Despite the sanctions, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province is making strides through transformative development projects being implemented by the Second Republic.

In Midlands Province, the anti-sanctions solidarity march was held in Gweru, led by the Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube. He encouraged the youth to promote peace, unity, and development.

The anti-sanctions march in Matebeleland South took place in Esigodini, where Minister of State for Matebeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, urged citizens to unite and speak against the embargo, which has restricted access to multilateral lines of credit and impeded economic progress.

In Matebeleland North, a march against sanctions occurred in Lupane, with the Minister of State for Matebeleland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr. Tapera Mugoriya, highlighting how sanctions have affected the country's progress.

Masvingo witnessed an anti-sanctions march led by Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira, who stressed the need to unite and free Zimbabwe from the shackles of sanctions, which have stifled economic growth and left people in despair.

Chiefs and students joined in the call for sanctions to be lifted, emphasizing the need for Zimbabwe's liberation from these restrictions, which impact various aspects of society, from the economy to education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Students voiced concerns about the reduction in employment opportunities and the rise in drug abuse in the country due to sanctions.