West seems reluctant to remove embargo
IN 2019, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) set aside October 25 as the day to call for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. As has become the norm, the region will on Wednesday commemorate Anti-Sanctions Day. Angola is the current chair of the regional bloc. Our reporter DEBRA MATABVU (DM) last week spoke to Angola’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe AGOSTINHO TAVARES DA SILVA NETO (AN) to discuss the commemorations and other related matters.
DM: What is the significance of the Anti-Sanctions Day to the region?
AN: This is a very important day for the entire SADC region to reflect on the negative impact that the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe has had on the ordinary people, children, women, the elderly, people with disabilities and the country as a whole. This has not spared countries in the region in terms of free trade, attracting investments aimed at improving road and railway infrastructure, air connections, as well as movement of people and goods. DM: How has the region been affected by the sanctions?
AN: The sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe directly or indirectly affect the entire Southern African region because they make the structural development of the respective countries unfeasible, both from the point of view of foreign private investment, as well as in attracting financing from financial institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. It must be remembered that no country can survive without the technical or financial cooperation of other actors and more developed countries in terms of mutually advantageous interdependence, as Zimbabwe is a country with enormous potential. DM: Have you, as SADC, done an independent assessment of the damage caused by the illegal sanctions on the SADC region? AN: It is difficult to answer this very pertinent question. However, I would leave it to the experts to answer. But I can assure you that Zimbabwe is not forgotten. The damage caused by the illegal sanctions also has to do with human rights because it affects
the country’s economic and social development in general due to the restrictions and prohibitions on foreign companies doing business with Zimbabwe, and consequently with the SADC region. DM: The main event will be held in Zimbabwe. How and where will the day be commemorated by other member states?
AN: This is a day of reflection for the member states that will express their solidarity with the Zimbabwean people and Government, which, despite the sanctions imposed on the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, has made efforts for the welfare of the population, “leaving no one and no place behind”. DM: Besides commemorations on October 25, what will SADC also do to ensure the removal of sanctions?
AN: I leave this question to be answered by the SADC Secretariat. DM: Do you think the West has been taking note of the international anti-sanctions lobby? AN: In my I think has been significant progress regarding the lifting of illegally imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe, thus contributing to the
suffering of several families due to the poor standard of living of the most disadvantaged population. This means there is no will on the part of the West to remove these unfair sanctions. DM: What is your message to those that have imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe?
AN: My message to Western countries that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe more than 20 years ago is to call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the said sanctions because they have affected the ordinary people, children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities. The sanctions on Zimbabwe are not justified and have contributed to the suffering of most of the disadvantaged population. Zimbabwe is also my second home and it is a great country. DM: What is your message to Zimbabweans who are suffering from the impact of these sanctions?
AN: The Zimbabwean people are hard working and resilient. The independence of Zimbabwe and Angola was not handed over on a “platter” or with a “kiss”. Many of the best sons of this great country and many of the best daughters of this great country gave their lives. They shed their blood to achieve independence, sovereignty and freedom. Zimbabwe is a brotherhood country and we are here to reaffirm Angola’s commitment and support. The bilateral relationship is excellent and it is my desire that we work together to increase and promote trade and investment for mutual benefit.
Angola and Zimbabwe have great potential, so we must work together in advancing our common goals.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the people and Government of Zimbabwe for holding the harmonised elections on the 23rd and 24th of August 2023. The Zimbabwean people demonstrated maturity and the elections took place in an orderly and peaceful manner. They were free, fair and transparent.