Staff Reporter
On Tuesday, the 2024 national anti-sanctions petition was brought to the ZANU PF headquarters in Harare, where senior Politburo members signed the document, reaffirming their stance against the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western nations.
This campaign comes just days before the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day, set to be observed on Friday, October 25.
The anti-sanctions petition aims to demonstrate the solidarity of Zimbabweans in calling for the removal of the economic embargo, which was imposed at the turn of the millennium. ZANU PF officials highlighted the detrimental impact of the sanctions, asserting that they hinder the country’s economic growth and integration into the global economy.
In an interview with this publication, ZANU PF Politburo member, Ziyambi stressed the need for Zimbabwe to be free to engage in global economic activities without restrictions.
“The United Nations rapporteur made it clear that these illegal sanctions have a negative effect on the country, and as Zimbabweans, we are rallying behind removing these sanctions,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, another Politburo member, Senator Charles Tawengwa, emphasized the importance of full participation in international trade.
“We want to be involved in the whole global economic affairs, and sanctions are an impediment. The campaign to remove the sanctions has gained traction, particularly with support from regional bodies like SADC, which has consistently called for their lifting. SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, observed annually, serves as a platform to raise awareness about the economic impact of the sanctions and to rally support from neighboring countries in Southern Africa,” he stated.
ZANU PF Politburo member Supa Mandiwanzira also weighed in, noting the wide-reaching effects of the sanctions.
“These sanctions know no boundaries, and everyone must call for their removal. I urge both Zimbabweans and the international community to support the cause. The sanctions have been a point of contention, with the Zimbabwean government arguing that they are unjust and have stifled the country’s economic progress,” he said.
The national anti-sanctions petition is part of a broader campaign spearheaded by Citizens Against Economic Sanctions, a local organization dedicated to raising awareness about the adverse effects of the embargo.
Citizens Against Economic Sanctions group Director, Mr. Martin Zharare, revealed their ambitious goal of collecting one million signatures across the country.
“We want one million signatures, and we will proceed to the American embassy to present evidence that Zimbabweans want the illegal sanctions to be removed,” he explained.
This year’s SADC Anti-Sanctions Day coincides with ZANU PF’s 21st Annual National People’s Conference, which will be held in Bulawayo. The timing is expected to amplify calls for the lifting of the sanctions, as thousands of Zimbabweans have already signed the petition, reflecting widespread national support for the cause.
As the anti-sanctions movement gains momentum, ZANU PF leaders and citizens alike are hopeful that their efforts will lead to a change in the current situation. The petition is seen as a crucial step in engaging international stakeholders and advocating for Zimbabwe’s right to participate fully in the global economy without the burden of restrictive measures.
