By Evans Dakwa, News Editor in Bulawayo
Bulawayo- Zimbabwe commemorated the 5th anniversary of the SADC-proclaimed Anti-Sanctions Day in style, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa launching the online anti-sanctions petition platform to ramp up the unequivocal voice of Zimbabweans against the sanctions, which have severely impacted the country’s economic development trajectory.
Speaking at the official launch, where he was the first to append his signature on the online platform, President Mnangagwa rallied the country to continue raising their voices and spreading the anti-sanctions message to the length and breadth of the nation, highlighting the negative impact of the sanctions on the country.
“Sanctions continue to have a far-reaching impact on our people, stifling the economy, limiting our ability to trade freely, stifling investment, and reducing our ability to invest in social services,” he said.
The President commended the resolve of Zimbabweans both in the country and in the diaspora in fighting against the debilitating sanctions, saying that the unity of the people of this country has helped to negate the impact of sanctions.
He also urged the media, in all its forms, to help amplify the anti-sanctions message.
“Today, we amplify our voice against the illegal sanctions by launching the digital anti-sanctions petition through an online platform. The media is called upon to partner with this initiative and increase the anti-sanctions information across all the rural and urban areas of the country,” he added.
His Excellency also noted that the illegal sanctions continue to be a threat to the country’s efforts in achieving Agenda 2030 and Africa Agenda 2063, before expressing gratitude to SADC, African nations, and other progressive nations in the world standing in support of Zimbabwe’s fight against sanctions.
He urged citizens to take advantage of the unity, peace, natural resources, and skill sets the country boasts of to modernise the nation.
“It is important to leverage our natural resources and skills base as we modernize our motherland. As such, collaborations and partnerships with friendly countries should be scaled up. Zimbabwe shall continue to pursue the engagement and re-engagement drive despite the presence of the illegal sanctions,” he added.
The online petition launched today is expected to mobilise at least a million signatures as Harare pushes against the illegal embargo affecting the country’s economic development, with no lines of credit being extended to the nation.