Rudo Saungweme
Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) Chairperson, His Excellency Dr Hage G Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia has acknowledged the efforts of the Government of Zimbabwe to address socio-economic challenges and transform the economy.
In solidarity statement, His Excellency President Geingob said, “The SADC Heads of State and Government noted that since coming to power, the new Government of Zimbabwe has continued with concerted efforts to address socio-economic challenges and transform the economy, particularly through the Zimbabwe Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP) (2018-2020), and to consolidate unity and peace in the country. This, notwithstanding, some internal groups, in particular NGOs, supported by external forces, have continued with efforts to destabilise the economy.”
Internal groups which includes Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) supported by NGOs and external forces embarked on a three day shut down from 14 to 16 January this year, following the increase in fuel prices so as to address socio-economic challenges in the country. Roads were barricaded to prevent people from doing their day to day business. The shutdown also saw the destruction of property and loss of lives.
“The SADC Heads of State and Government also noted that in an effort to address the economic challenges in the country, the Government recently increased fuel prices. Unfortunately, violent demonstrators rode on the back of increases in fuel prices, to implement their intention to destabilise the country. The demonstrators resulted in the destruction of property and loss of life. SADC condemns, in the strongest terms, the violence that ensued, and expresses sympathy with the affected families for the loss of their loved ones and their properties,” President Geingob said.
His Excellency Dr Geingob also called the international community to unconditionally lift all sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe indicating that they are a hindrance to economic growth in Zimbabwe.
“The SADC Heads of State and Government further noted that the Government`s efforts to transform the economy and bring about prosperity to the people of Zimbabwe are negatively affected by the illegal sanctions that were imposed on the country since the early 2000. SADC expresses its solidarity with Government and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and calls upon the international community to unconditionally lift all sanctions imposed on the country.”
The call for the lifting of sanctions has been regretted by many African leaders. Recently, President of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta tweeted on his twitter handle calling for the removal of sanctions. President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa also reiterated that Zimbabwe has a potential for economic growth which can be achieved well if sanctions are lifted by the international community.
