Diplomats amplify call to remove Zim sanctions
Mqondisi Dube | Monday October 25, 2021 19:02
In 2019, SADC set aside October 25 as Anti-Sanctions Day, a move meant to ramp up pressure on the West to drop sanctions imposed on more than 100 Zimbabweans with links to the ruling ZANU-PF. The southern African country was placed under economic sanctions by the European Union and the United States in 2002 over concerns of poor human rights record.
However, SADC has been pushing for the scrapping of the sanctions, arguing they hurt ordinary Zimbabweans and hold back the country’s economy. Speaking at the Anti-Sanctions event, Zimbabwe deputy ambassador to Botswana, Margaret Ruparanganda said sanctions have harmed the resource-rich country.
“We have a number of financial institutions in Zimbabwe that have been fined for dealing with companies or individuals who are on the list of sanctions. So we are saying these are one of the many lost opportunities as a result of these sanctions. At the advent of the second Republic, His Excellency, (President Emmerson Mnangagwa) has taken a stance and emphasised that Zimbabwe is a friend to all, and an enemy to none, which is why we are holding this event under this theme,” Ruparanganda said.
She said re-engagement efforts are bearing fruits. However, Ruparanganda said COVID-19 has worsened Zimbabwe’s situation. South Africa’s High Commissioner to Botswana, ThaningaShope-Soumah also reiterated calls to remove the sanctions.
“The sanctions on Zimbabwe have had very serious effects on the economy of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has no access to credit and her balance of payment has deteriorated significantly. Zimbabwe has not been able to honour financial obligations, through IMF and the World Bank since 1999. To this effect, the Brenton Woods institutions have suspended the balance of payment of the country and technical assistance. Consequently, the country’s external payments have increased from $109 million in 1999 to $1.4billion in 2017. This is 2021 and this could be much more,” she said.
Russia’s Ambassador to Botswana, Andrey Kemarskiy said they stood with Zimbabwe through the struggle of liberation and called for the removal of sanctions. Namibia Ambassador to Botswana, Asser K. Kapere said it was unfair for Zimbabwe to fight both the COVID-19 and the sanctions.
“The sanctions have proved to be affecting those beyond the targeted individuals affecting the livelihood of the people of Zimbabwe and the SADC region as a whole,” he said. Kenya’s Ambassador to Botswana Mohamed Shidiye said it was an honour to fight for Zimbabwe. He said this year’s theme ‘A friend to all, and an enemy to none’ was indicative of Zimbabwe’s willingness to engage the international community.
“When Zimbabwe suffers, we African people suffer. It is a reality. So we stand firm with the government of Zimbabwe on this occasion to say enough is enough and sanctions must be removed unconditionally,” Shidiye said.
Other speakers included Emboiric M. Samba, Charge D` Affaires Embassy of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic and Zimbabweans living in Botswana who indicated how much they long to go back home to a thriving economy once the sanctions are lifted.
Mozambique, Zambia and host Botswana were also represented at the occasion, which is marked across the region every year.