By Claver Nyuki
Zimbabwe’s opposition parties have unanimously condemned the continued imposition of illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe, highlighting the negative impact it is having on the general public.
The collective condemnation follows the SADC led anti-sanctions commemorations on 25 October which was highly subscribe.
LEAD President, Linda Masarira, who also partook in the anti-sanctions march, took to her Facebook page to blast the sanctions while pledging support to Government in the continued fight against the sanctions.
“I marched, I expressed myself and I am going to fight for sanctions to be lifted. If they are not lifted, I pledge to assist Government to come up with sanction busting measures which will revive our economy and ensure sustainable human development,” she said.
MDC-T Vice President, Obert Gutu echoed the same sentiments and lamented the negative effects the sanctions are having on the economic recovery policies being introduced by Government.
“Believing that there are no sanctions against Zimbabwe, it is just as farcical as believing that there's no God in heaven. Sanctions against Zimbabwe are real and they're wreaking havoc with our socio-economic recovery efforts,” he said.
Gutu also castigated Zimbabweans who are in support of continued sanctions on the country, “In certain circles, some political buffoons are still clamouring that sanctions should continue to be imposed on Zimbabwe because the "Winner" of the 2018 Presidential election was not allowed to occupy the State House. Now, this is what I call NONSENSE on steroids!”
Gutu also expressed gratitude to regional and continental bodies, AU and SADC for their unwavering support to the removal of the sanctions.
“It is now beyond debate that the fight against sanctions on Zimbabwe has won a resounding by-in and endorsement from SADC, AU and the entire progressive world. We now move on to the phase of identifying, curbing and eliminating all forms of corruption,” said Gutu.
Norton independent legislator, Themba Mliswa speaking on the side-lines of the anti-sanctions march in Harare on Friday, dismissed the notion that the sanctions are targeted and not affecting the populace.
“Sanctions are affecting the non-targeted more than the targeted, let them be removed, they are not serving their purpose,” he said.
POLAD representative, Trust Chikohora also delivered the same message and said the sanctions are not about President Emmerson Mnangagwa as they are an assault on all Zimbabweans.
The continued imposition of illegal sanctions on the country is greatly affecting the socio-economic and political well being of not only Zimbabwean citizens but the SADC region as a whole.
