Staff Reporter

As Zimbabwe prepares to observe the annual Anti-Sanctions Day on October 25th, a chorus of political analysts is emphasising the paramount need for sanctions imposed on the country to be removed unconditionally.

Noted political commentator, Dr. Edward Maphosa, underlined the adverse effect of sanctions on both Zimbabwe's economy and its citizens

"Sanctions have obstructed the nation's development by curtailing its access to international markets, fiscal resources, and investment possibilities," said Maphosa.

He further accentuated how these constraints have stunted the growth of pivotal sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, leading to job cuts and declining living standards for a substantial number of Zimbabweans.

Echoing the sentiment, distinguished analyst, Professor Maria Zivuku, underscored that the removal of sanctions was a requisite for drawing foreign direct investment and unleashing Zimbabwe's economic capacity.

 "Sanctions have fostered a negative image of the country, repelled investors and stymieing economic expansion," Professor Zivuku elaborated. She emphasized the necessity of regaining international confidence in Zimbabwe's economic landscape through the eradication of these restrictive measures.

Political observer, Mr. Brian Sibanda, underscored the unforeseen repercussions of sanctions on the most defenceless social strata.

 "Sanctions disproportionately impact ordinary Zimbabweans, especially the impoverished and marginalized," Sibanda noted.

 He went on to highlight the effect of the measures on access to healthcare, education, and rudimentary services, accentuating the demand for sanctions to be removed to mitigate the populace's hardship.

“Government has made considerable progress in addressing these concerns through political and economic transformations.

“The effective implementation of policies on Zimbabwe which are aimed at enhancing governance, bolstering human rights, and encouraging socio-economic growth are highly notable, and it is very impressive that despite being under the siege of sanctions, the country is thriving,” he reiterated

As Anti-Sanctions Day nears, the voices of political analysts serve as a potent reminder of the urgency to confront the issue of sanctions and their bearing on Zimbabwe's economic recovery. Their discourse illuminates the potential advantages that could be unleashed through the lifting of these constraints.