Zivanai Dhewa

It has turned out to be a great disappointment for the MDC Alliance as the European Union did not review sanctions on Zimbabwe in the way the opposition had expected, the Harare Post has learnt.

“It must be disappointing for the ‘Jecha Brigade’ that wanted additional names on the sanctions list and the EU in Zimbabwe decided to chill,” said one netizen only identified as Tatenda Gono.

Posting on his Twitter handle, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana said “on the issue of EU sanctions, it's encouraging that the EU has vindicated the President's engagement and re-engagement policy by not escalating sanctions as campaigned for by some of our own citizens. The progressive de-escalation whilst not as good as a total removal is positive.”

Another netizen identified as Misheck Muzanenhamo rubbished assertions by Team Pachedu on its Twitter page that Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Kirsty Coventry and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube have been added on the sanctions list.

“Zviroto zviroto, especially yamunoti Team Pachedu yanga yotinyepera hanzi Kirsty and Mthuli have been added to the sanctions list.”

The EU further released a statement demanding that government address human rights issues in the country and observe the rule of law.

Responding to the demand, Onwell Mushipe, a netizen argued that, “Rule of law means all of us living by the same rules and respecting each other's rights. Those who assault and loot other people's property or stone officers to death have no place in our society. Peaceful and lawful protests are possible.”

Meanwhile, South Africa and China have pledged to assist Zimbabwe with its economic recovery efforts, and have expressed confidence in the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.