President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed optimism that joint efforts by Zimbabwe and its Southern African Development Community (SADC) neighbours will eventually lead to the collapse of the sanctions imposed on the country by the United States and its Western allies.
Speaking during the closing session of the 22nd Zanu-PF National People's Conference in Mutare over the weekend, President Mnangagwa said regional solidarity and sustained mobilisation were key to defeating the punitive measures. His remarks come ahead of the SADC Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day, which will be commemorated on October 25.
"Comrades, one week from now, on October 25, is SADC Anti-Sanctions Day. Through combined efforts with other countries in the region and beyond, the walls of sanctions and coercive measures must crumble," said President Mnangagwa. "In our respective provinces and districts, let us conscientise and mobilise our nation to resist and continue amplifying their voices towards the total and unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions imposed on our country. United we stand, divided we fall. Victory is certain."
SADC declared October 25 as Anti-Sanctions Day in 2019 to show regional unity against the restrictions, which Zimbabwe argues have hindered economic development and regional trade.
President Mnangagwa said his administration's engagement and re-engagement efforts under the Second Republic have already yielded progress, with several countries either lifting sanctions or allowing them to lapse.
Party delegates at the conference echoed the President's call, describing the sanctions as unjust and damaging to ordinary citizens rather than targeted individuals.
Zanu-PF Women's League Secretary for External Affairs, Cde Betty Kaseke, said women have borne the brunt of the economic sanctions. "As women of this country, we are the most affected. Those who imposed sanctions claim they are targeted at certain individuals, but that is not true because they are affecting ordinary persons," she said. "To those countries that have stood with Zimbabwe, we commend them and urge them to remain behind us to the end."
Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Local Government and Devolution in Harare Province, Cde William Govha, described the sanctions as "evil" and unjustified. "There is no justification whatsoever for their imposition. We will remain resolute in support of our President. These sanctions are not targeted but affect ordinary people. They were imposed because we took back our land-our birthright-from colonial masters," he said.
War Veterans League chairperson for Mashonaland Central, Cde Martin Kwainona, commended Mnangagwa's message, saying every Zimbabwean has a role to play in resisting foreign interference. "When the President says a nation is developed by its own people, it means it is everyone's responsibility to fight the sanctions. It is not just the Government's duty. We will never surrender our sovereignty as the West and the United States of America wanted when they imposed them," he said.
Citizens Against Economic Sanctions executive director, Mr Martin Zharare, also pledged continued advocacy ahead of this year's commemorations. "Our role is to move around the country to conscientise everyone on how sanctions affect us. I am happy that President Mnangagwa addressed this issue at this conference, which was quite successful. We will continue denouncing the sanctions," he said.
The SADC Anti-Sanctions Day will once again see regional leaders reaffirming their support for Zimbabwe and calling for the total and unconditional lifting of the economic restrictions.
- The Chronicle
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