Envoys intensify anti-embargo calls

DIPLOMATS accredited to Zimbabwe are intensifying calls for the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the United States, adding renewed impetus to the lobbying by Government for an end to the two-decade-long economic embargo.

Several Heads of State and Government joined President Mnangagwa at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US, last month, in calling for the unconditional removal of the sanctions on Zimbabwe.

There has been a growing global coalition against the economic measures.

This comes ahead of the fourth commemoration of the Anti-Sanctions Day on October 25, a day set aside by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to marshal a regional campaign against the illegal sanctions.

In interviews with The Sunday Mail, foreign diplomats unanimously concluded that sanctions were stifling Zimbabwe’s economy. Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ms Sarah Sithabile Molosiwa, said the embargo was unjustified and hindering the country’s development agenda.

“As alluded to by President (Mokgweetsi) Masisi, who, on several occasions, has advocated the total removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe, these unjustified sanctions continue to frustrate development efforts of the Government of Zimbabwe towards economic freedom for the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the entire region,”she said.

Amb Molosiwa said the removal of the embargo will strengthen Zimbabwe’s economy and subsequently regional development.

“I also endeavour to join the SADC crusade in calling for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe,” she added.

Turkish Ambassador, Ms Berna Kasnakli Versteden, said her country was against the imposition of the unilateral coercive measures.

“Turkiye has a principled stance on sanctions,” she said.

“Nationally, we implement United Nations sanctions only when there is a Security Council resolution.

“When there is a decision about implementing sanctions, we meticulously do so.

“On the question of bilateral sanctions, we are not very much in support of such measures and this is our principle as a country.”

Rwanda’s top diplomat in Harare, Ambassador James Musoni, echoed the same sentiments.

“Sanctions are an impediment to the development of any country, and our president, His Excellency Paul Kagame, together with the African Union, have called for the removal of these sanctions.

“The sooner this is done the better for the country,” said Amb Musoni.

Algerian representative, Ambassador Nourredine Yazid, denounced the sanctions, describing them as “punitive”.

Amb Yazid said Zimbabwe had exhibited great resilience under adverse circumstances.

“The cost of economic freedom for Zimbabwe is for all to see. The punitive and unjust sanctions were imposed because of the land reform programme and are hurting the country, and the first victims are the vulnerable in society,” he said.

“Zimbabwe has been under sanctions for more than 20 years and it is still standing.

“It is not easy to resist an illegal embargo, and this shows that the country is resilient. Zimbabweans have also shown that they are unified under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.”

Egyptian diplomat, Ambassador Mr Mahmoud Amer, said his country stands in solidarity with Zimbabwe.

“Recently, we have had some countries increasingly resorting to sanctions,” he said.

“Egypt has warned that this is not the right path to take.

“Within the African Union, all countries are coming together to condemn these sanctions on Zimbabwe.”