Sadc, Zimbabwe: Unyielding unity in face of sanctions
Lex Hove
THE Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and Zimbabwe share unbreakable bonds rooted in history, culture and family ties, standing resilient against challenges posed by retrogressive forces.
Recently, SADC ambassadors from Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Zambia paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa, extending congratulations on his August harmonised elections victory.
President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude for the unwavering support shown by the SADC bloc, particularly in their consistent call for the removal of Western-imposed sanctions.
The solidarity exhibited by SADC leaders during the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, observed annually on October 25, further reinforces their commitment to Zimbabwe’s cause.
Zimbabwe continues to showcase political maturity, evident in the peaceful environment that characterised the recent polls.
President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of SADC ambassadors championing economic diplomacy to realise the bloc’s economic potential fully.
Southern African countries rally behind Zimbabwe’s plea for the lifting of what they deem an illegal economic embargo imposed by Western nations.
The impact of these sanctions is felt not only in Zimbabwe, but across the entire region, making SADC’s support crucial in addressing this challenge.
The enduring bond between SADC and Zimbabwe extends to liberation war solidarity, historical heritage, diplomatic, economic and political ties.
Zimbabwe has grappled with sanctions from the US, European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand for two decades, stemming from alleged human rights violations.
These sanctions were imposed in response to its land reform programme under the late former President Robert Mugabe, to address land ownership imbalances in Zimbabwe.
In 2019, SADC countries designated October 25 as a day to collectively call for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe. The SADC Group of Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Nairobi, Kenya, emphasised the negative impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe’s economy.
They reiterated SADC’s commitment to advocating for an enabling environment that allows Zimbabwe to develop politically and socio-economically.
The diplomats pointed out that Zimbabwe’s economic growth is closely tied to that of its SADC neighbours, meaning the effects of sanctions reverberate throughout the region.
The economic challenges in Zimbabwe have led to challenges in the funding of infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe by the Bretton Wood institutions.
Despite these challenges, SADC’s unwavering support for Zimbabwe remains a beacon of hope, reflecting the enduring strength of their united front in the face of adversity.
SADC has emerged as a driving force for economic growth and development in Zimbabwe, with its membership proving instrumental in fostering regional trade, investment and high-level diplomatic engagements.
The impact of SADC on Zimbabwe’s economic landscape is exemplified by the preferential trade agreements and market access it provides to member countries.
These initiatives have played a pivotal role in stimulating economic growth and development within the nation. Through these agreements, SADC has created a conducive environment for regional trade and investment, unlocking opportunities that contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic prosperity.
In a strategic move in 2020, Zimbabwe established Bi-National Commissions (BNCs) with all SADC member states, showcasing a commitment to elevate diplomatic engagements within the region.
These BNCs, high-level diplomatic dialogues overseen by Heads of State, exemplify Zimbabwe’s dedication to strengthening political and economic ties with SADC nations. Notable BNCs have been established with South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania, further enhancing the collaborative efforts between Zimbabwe and SADC.
Zimbabwe’s focus on increasing intra-Africa trade aligns with the broader goal of unlocking economic opportunities on the continent.
The commitment to regional integration is evident in its active participation in the SADC Free Trade Area and its leading role in realising the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA).
Zimbabwe ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a significant step towards establishing a common market covering all 54 African countries.
The AfCFTA, with a combined population of 1,3 billion and a collective GDP of US$2,5 trillion, represents a crucial building block for continental economic cooperation.
One of the notable achievements resulting from SADC’s unity with Zimbabwe is the positive perception the country has gained in the West through the re-engagement process.
The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030 outline Zimbabwe’s trajectory to unleash its full economic potential.
This strategic alignment with SADC initiatives contributes to enhancing Zimbabwe’s standing on the global stage and fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
As Zimbabwe continues its active participation in SADC frameworks and initiatives, the collaborative efforts are expected to yield long-term economic benefits.
The positive impact on regional trade, investment, and diplomatic relations underscores the significance of SADC membership in Zimbabwe’s journey towards sustained economic growth and development.
The resounding congratulatory messages from SADC ambassadors mark a significant triumph for Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement policy, underscoring numerous milestones achieved through this diplomatic initiative.
The visits by the SADC ambassadors not only represent a gesture of acknowledgment, but also exemplify the enduring unity within the regional bloc, a unity forged during the days of the liberation struggle.
This collective support and solidarity illustrate the necessity of nurturing and defending the unity that exists among SADC member states.
Beyond being a symbolic gesture, this unity serves as a cornerstone for shared peace, stability, and the socio-economic development and prosperity of the people in the region.
The historical timeline of SADC and Zimbabwe reveals an unbreakable and unshakeable collective entity, bound together by robust historical, cultural, and familial ties.
These connections date back to time immemorial, forming an indomitable bond that has withstood the tests of time and adversity.
Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement policy has proven to be a diplomatic masterstroke, fostering a positive relationship with SADC that extends beyond mere rhetoric.
The ambassadors’ visits not only celebrate Zimbabwe’s achievements in the August 23 harmonised elections but also signify the enduring strength of the alliance, reaffirming the commitment to a shared vision of progress and prosperity.
The unity between SADC and Zimbabwe serves as a testament to the success of Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement policy.
This achievement not only highlights the positive strides made by Zimbabwe on the diplomatic front but also reinforces the enduring unity within the SADC bloc.
The strong bond between SADC and Zimbabwe, rooted in history, culture and family, remains an unwavering foundation for the collective prosperity and development of the people in the region.