Staff Reporter

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reaffirms its solidarity with the Government and People of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and collectively voiced its concerns on, and disapproval of the prolonged sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe, says Malawian President and SADC Chairperson, Dr Lazarus Chakwera.

In a statement to mark the Anti-sanctions Day scheduled for today, 25 October 2021, Dr Chakwera highlighted that SADC was concerned by the continuation of sanctions on some individuals and entities of Zimbabwe and continues to call for the unconditional and immediate lifting of these sanctions.

“There is no doubt that this lifting will facilitate socio-economic recovery, and enable Zimbabwe meet her national and regional economic development plans as well as effectively manage her international obligations.

“As a Region, we remain adamant that the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, whether targeted or restrictive, are a fundamental constraint and hindrance to the country’s prospects of economic recovery, human security and sustainable growth. The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the recent devastating cyclones Chalane (December 2020) and Eloise (February 2021) have mounted added socio-economic pressures that continue to impact negatively on the lives and livelihoods of the people of Zimbabwe,” reads part of the statement.

Dr Chakwera noted that the sanctions increase the perception of Zimbabwe as being in a high risk profile category, thereby diminishing the credibility of investment and investor confidence, while exacerbating investment risks. “This further diminishes the country’s prospects of obtaining impactful FDI and serves as a deterrent for economic emancipation, growth and stability,” he added.

“We wish to commend those International Cooperating Partners who have continuously extended development cooperation support and assistance towards the Government of Zimbabwe, and urge all development partners and stakeholders to support Zimbabwe’s efforts towards implementing her reform agenda,” he said

The SADC Chairperson said that the Republic of Zimbabwe, and the SADC Region, are committed to engaging in meaningful and constructive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, with a view to consolidating the rule of law, democracy, governance and human rights. “It is only through such exchanges that better appreciation of concerns of all parties could be secured and progress towards their resolution be achieved,” he said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Special envoy, Alena Douhan who is currently in the country to assess the impact of the sanctions imposed on the country says the unilateral sanctions are affecting the people’s right to good health.

Douhan, a U.N. Special Rapporteur on Negative Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures on Human Rights and Professor of International Law’s visit ends on October 28 and is expected to present a public report on her visit to Zimbabwe to the UN Human Rights Council during the 51st session in September 2022.

The United States enunciated deliberately tailor made sanctions within the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) to prevent US companies from undertaking business engagements with their Zimbabwean counterparts. Similarly, the European Union (EU) the United Kingdom (UK) and their Allies such as Australia and Switzerland have also targeted numerous Zimbabwean entities with a view to making the country’s economy suffer.