Give Zimbabwe a chance

“THIS sisterly country (Zimbabwe) has been on sanctions for a long time. These sanctions have not only affected the people of Zimbabwe and their Government but our entire region. It is like a human body: when you chop one of its parts, it affects the whole body . . .”

These were the words of former Southern African Development Community (Sadc) chair and Tanzanian President, John Magufuli as he urged the international community to lift the sanctions it imposed on Zimbabwe, highlighting that the country has already opened a new page and is ready to move forward.

Following the land reform programme at the turn of the millennium, Zimbabwe was placed under European Union (EU) and United States (US) sanctions in 2002 and 2003 respectively.

Although the Second Republic has been re-engaging all countries, some Western countries have snubbed the efforts through periodic renewals of the sanctions.

Despite the Government’s recent moves in observing the rule of law and fighting corruption, the Southern African nation is accused of human rights violations.

The situation has been exacerbated by dubious human rights organisations who are determined to portray Zimbabwe as a nation in crisis, with several activists taking turns to stage manage fake abductions.

However, Sadc is now determined to extricate Zimbabwe from the illegal sanctions’ web.

At the conclusion of the 39th Sadc Summit of Heads of State and Government in Tanzania last year, President Magufuli said Southern African leaders should collectively voice their disapproval of the sanctions against Zimbabwe.

Following Sadc’s call for the unconditional removal of the unjust economic sanctions that have had a debilitating effect on the country’s economic development, thousands of Zimbabweans marched to protest against the sanctions on October 25, 2019.

Voices are expected to get louder at this year’s Sadc Anti-Sanctions Day, which will be on Sunday next week.

All Sadc member states are rallying behind Zimbabwe in the fight against the illegal sanctions. Until the sanctions are lifted, the body’s 16 member states are expected to organise simultaneous activities on October 25 to show solidarity with Zimbabwe and demonstrate their disapproval of the sanctions imposed on the country.

Ambassadors from regional states have been engaging their Western host nations to amplify the voice on the issue.

In addition, Russia and China, our all-weather friends, have also declared their solidarity with Zimbabwe as she calls for the removal of the sanctions.

Although it is claimed that sanctions are targeted on a few individuals, the effects of the embargo is being felt throughout the economy.

Sanctions have been crippling the economy and have taken a serious toll on all Zimbabweans.

For the past 20 years, Zimbabwe has failed to access lines of credit from international monetary institutions. Some of the country’s banks are also restricted from trading with international financial institutions.

Zimbabwe’s access to international credit markets was blocked after the enactment of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (Zidera) of 2001. Under Zidera, American companies are not allowed to deal with Zimbabwean entities on the sanctions list.

Some companies associated with the State have had their money intercepted or blocked when they attempted to trade with international institutions. Companies have also found it challenging to move money into Zimbabwe because banks can be fined for dealing with sanctioned countries.

Some companies have been forced to close shop or scale down operations due to all of this. This has led to loss of jobs.

Moreover, Zimbabwean importers are asked to pay cash up-front, resulting in a significant squeeze on private sector cash flows. This has led to bigger challenges, including capacity under utilisation of Zimbabwean companies.

The pinch emanating from the sanctions is felt by the senior Government official, it is felt by the formally employed populace, and it is felt by the farmer in Checheche. Zimbabweans deserve a chance to build their country without any restrictions.

Sanctions must go. Enough is enough.