By Evans Dakwa, News Editor in Bulawayo
Bulawayo– The President of Zimbabwe and current SADC Chairperson, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has labelled the sanctions imposed on the country by the West led by the United States of America, heinous, which are hurting ordinary people the most, contrary to the purveyed rhetoric that the economic sanctions are targeted.
The SADC Chair’s sentiments were captured in his statement on the anti-sanctions day as declared by the region in solidarity with Harare against the measures which have stifled economic growth attempts in the Southern African country.
“It is the ordinary people, particularly the vulnerable, who bear the brunt of these heinous and inhumane measures, which also stifle economic and social progress in Zimbabwe. In solidarity, the SADC community, today, joins Zimbabwe in calling for the immediate and 2 unconditional removal of these unwarranted and cruel sanctions, which violate the basic tenets of international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” said the President in his capacity as SADC Chairperson.
The anti-sanctions day was declared in the year 2020 by the 40th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government designating the 25th of October every year as the day the region joins Zimbabwe in calling for the unconditional removal of the sanctions that have kept Harare out of the international monetary system cutting of lines of credit from funders, restricting companies from doing business with Zimbabwe and classification of Harare as a huge financial risk destination to invest in.
The SADC Chairperson also said the imposition of the Sanctions on Harare is a threat to the region as it undermines efforts towards regional integration efforts being pursued by the Southern African regional bloc.
“The imposition of sanctions undermines our collective efforts towards regional integration and sustainable development. As a community, we have to continue working together to ensure that our region remains a beacon of hope and prosperity, for generations to come. Our region enjoys relative peace and stability and continues to work towards achieving a prosperous and integrated region. We strive to secure a future where all our countries and peoples realise their mutually shared aspirations without leaving anyone and any place behind,” he said.
He also said the rallying call and noise being made by the region against these restrictive and punitive measures was to make sure; “the message transcend our borders and reach the ears and rattle the conscience of those perpetuating these cruel sanctions.”
This morning will join thousands of Zimbabweans who will march against the diabolical measures in Bulawayo where the ruling party ZANU PF is converging for the 21st National People’s Conference which kicked off in Harare with the holding of the Politburo and Central Committee meetings.
His Excellency will deliver the key note address to thousands that are expected this morning and also append his signature against the sanctions as the country seeks 1 million signatures to be appended on a petition against the embargo.
The West imposed sanctions on Harare in response to the country reclaiming its land from the white minority farmers who had large tracts of land whilst the black majority where still holed up in the colonial reserves. The fast track land reform program set the tone for black farmers to won their land and contribute to the economic development of Zimbabwe, a largely agro based economy.