Zimbabwe should be allowed to engage in the global arena on equal footing, free from the illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western nations, stated Politburo member Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi after endorsing an anti-sanctions petition.
The signing ceremony took place at the Zanu PF headquarters in Harare, prior to a Politburo meeting that marked the opening of the 21st Annual National People’s Conference.
Cde Ziyambi emphasized that the unconditional removal of these sanctions aligns with recommendations made by Professor Alena Douhan, a United Nations Special Rapporteur who examined the impact of sanctions during her 2021 visit to Zimbabwe.
The petition signing also coincides with the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day, observed annually on October 25 since 2019.
In an interview, Cde Ziyambi, who also serves as the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, stated that lifting sanctions imposed by the US, UK, and EU would empower Zimbabwe to determine its own economic future.
“I have just signed the anti-sanctions petition, and I fully support it. The UN Rapporteur’s research concluded that sanctions are a violation of human rights,” he explained. He questioned why the US, as a member of the UN, continues to impose sanctions deemed illegal and that infringe upon the rights of Zimbabweans.
Cde Ziyambi called on the US to remove the sanctions to allow Zimbabwe to participate equally in the global community.
Professor Douhan’s 2021 visit aimed to assess how unilateral sanctions affect human rights and development in Zimbabwe. Her findings revealed that sanctions, including secondary sanctions and excessive compliance by foreign banks and companies, have had a significant negative impact on both the population and government.
Cde Supa Mandiwanzira, another Politburo member, highlighted that these illegal sanctions have obstructed Zimbabwe’s access to credit facilities.
“This nation is making significant efforts to improve its infrastructure, such as airports and roads. We urge the US to remove the sanctions to enable us to engage on equal terms globally,” reiterated Cde Ziyambi.
Mr. Martin Zharare, executive director of Citizens Against Economic Sanctions, announced that the organization is leading the campaign to gather signatures for the anti-sanctions petition. They aim to collect over one million signatures to present to the US Embassy in Harare, demanding the immediate removal of sanctions.
“We plan to deliver this petition to the American embassy in Harare to demonstrate that the people of Zimbabwe support President Mnangagwa’s call for the lifting of sanctions. We are pleased that citizens signed voluntarily,” he stated.
Additionally, Mr. Richard Mahomva, a director in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, noted that the Politburo members signed the petition as part of the preparations for the major anti-sanctions day commemorations scheduled for Friday.
President Mnangagwa, who chairs SADC, is expected to deliver a speech in Bulawayo during the commemorative events.