The African Union (AU) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat on Wednesday October 25, called for the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
The statement noted, “The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat once again renews the longstanding AU demand for the immediate and unconditional lifting of sanctions imposed against institutions and individuals of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and in full support of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) position on the issue.”
Further, Faki noted that he was concerned by the negative impact of the sanctions on the nation of Zimbabwe, stating that they continuously hinder socio-economic development amidst the current global food and energy crisis and post Covid-19 recovery efforts.
African Union commends ongoing efforts
In addition, the African Union chief commended the ongoing discussions with the European Union on the removal of these sanctions, noting that they were encouraging.
“In this regard, the Chairperson encourages all parties to continue dialogue with the view to end all remaining sanctions against Zimbabwe,” the statement noted further.
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Therefore, the African Union chairperson reaffirmed the continued commitment of the African Union to support Zimbabwe in mobilizing efforts for the complete lifting of all remaining sanctions.
“In this regard, the African Union associates itself with the statement made by President João Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and current Chairperson of SADC on the subject,” AU concluded.
About the sanctions in Zimbabwe
What’s more, the European Union (EU), United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe 20 years ago.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) designated 25 October as a holiday in Zimbabwe for solidarity against these sanctions.
A press release by the United States Department of Treasury explained why the Zimbabwe sanctions were still in place.
The press release on September 15th, 2022, stated that the sanctions are meant to motivate behavioral change from human rights abusers and from those who undermine democratic processes or facilitate corruption.
“The Zimbabwe sanctions program targets human rights abusers and those who undermine democratic processes or facilitate corruption. U.S. sanctions do not target the Zimbabwean people, the country of Zimbabwe, or Zimbabwe’s banking sector,” the statement continued in part.
Zimbabwe Sanctions extended by the US
Further, in March 2023, United States President Joe Biden extended sanctions on Zimbabwe.
On this, Joe Biden cited ongoing repression by the country’s government. This, he stated, presented an ongoing threat to peace and security in the region.
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“President Emmerson Mnangagwa has not made the necessary political and economic reforms that would warrant terminating the existing targeted sanctions program,” President Biden wrote.
Under the restrictive measures placed on Zimbabwe, specific individuals are banned from traveling to Europe and the United States.
Additionally, their foreign assets are frozen.
Notably, under the Cotonou Agreement, the EU also suspended all direct development cooperation with the Zimbabwean government.
