By Rudo Saungweme
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Lieutenant General (Retired) Dr. Sibusiso Moyo yesterday stated that the United States of America’s (U.S.A) renewal of sanctions on Zimbabwe is tantamount to a “political agenda setting” and is contrary to the spirit of re-engagement.
In a press statement, Honourable Moyo said, “The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe regrets the rolling over of Executive Order 13288 of March 2003 (Sanctions) on Zimbabwe over alleged shortcomings of Zimbabwe`s political governance.
“The Government of Zimbabwe reiterates once more that the renewal of sanctions on the country is tantamount to a “political agenda setting” and is contrary to the spirit of re-engagement, the pillar of the otherwise thawing relations between the U.S.A administration under President Trump and the new political dispensation in Zimbabwe under President E.D. Mnangagwa,” he said.
Honourable Moyo said that Zimbabwe would continue to restore the country to its former glory in spite of all the difficulties that these sanctions put in Zimbabwe`s road to economic prosperity of attaining its Vision 2030.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is fully determined to restore the country to its former glory in spite of hurdles that these sanctions put in the path of those efforts. Zimbabwe has set itself a formidable trajectory that will take it to a new destiny of economic prosperity through vision 2030.
“The new dispensation and the Second Republic will not be distracted from pursuing this deliberate political, economic and social agenda from whatever quarters,” he said.
MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa together with his associates in the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector have been calling for the isolation of Zimbabwe by Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC), the African Union (AU) and entire global community for alleged human rights violations.
However, SADC has castigated the call indicating that the illegal embargo was inhibiting Zimbabwe from accessing financial assistance from multilateral institutions.
SADC Chairperson and Namibian President, Hage Geingob also indicated that SADC was aware of the hidden hand trying to derail Zimbabwe`s economic reform agenda.
“The SADC Heads of State and Government noticed 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 Stabilisation Programme (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 country,” he said.
