Staff Reporter
Following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s speech at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78), political analysts have weighed in to second the view that sanctions are an obstacle to sustainable development to Zimbabwe.
In an interview with this publication, Political analyst, Blessed Gambiza highlighted the negative effects that sanctions have on Zimbabwe’s efforts to achieve its sustainable development goals.
"Illegal and punitive sanctions, are making it difficult for people to access basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. Sanctions have also contributed to the country's high inflation and unemployment rates,” said Gambiza.
Another political analyst Richard Mahomva called for the lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe, saying that it is the only way for the country to achieve meaningful development.
“The sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West are a blunt reminder of the sustained haemorrhaging impact of colonialism to Africa’s liberation agenda. This is why the anti-sanctions fight have seized to be a Zimbabwean affair. Instead , it has since assumed a more region gravitas as SADC countries such as Namibia are joining the same liberation call against the removal of illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe,’ said Mahomva.
Furthermore Mahomva stressed the importance of Zimbabwe in accessing international markets as well as credit from internal bodies such as the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to develop its economy and improve the people’s livelihoods.
“The sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe have had a significant impact on the country's economy. They have made it difficult for Zimbabwean companies to access international markets and financing. This has led to a decline in investment and economic growth. Hence these sanctions are hindering Zimbabwe’s progress”, said Mahomva.
Meanwhile, at the same occasion during the UNGA78 President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Hage Geingob of Namibia in solidarity with Zimbabwe called for the unconditional removal of Sanctions on Zimbabwe.
