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Walter Nyamukondiwa in BEIJING, China
SADC diplomats accredited to China have called for the lifting of Western sanctions on Zimbabwe saying their impact is affecting the region.
Speaking at a belated Anti-Sanctions Day commemoration at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Beijing, representatives from at least eight embassies said the sanctions should be lifted as their impact is being felt throughout Southern Africa.
Embassies represented at the event included the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Seychelles, Zambia, Angola (chair), Botswana, Mozambique and Lesotho.
The event was also attended by the African Union ambassador to China Mr Ousman Rahamtalla who was representing the AU Commission chair Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Angolan Ambassador to China Mr Joao Salvador dos Santos Neto read the speech by Sadc chair President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco.
“The Southern African Development Community reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe in calling for the lifting of sanctions that remain imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe,” he said.
In solidarity messages, Tanzanian Ambassador to China Mr Khamis Mussa Omar said Tanzania stands with Zimbabwe for the cause of humanity, justice and fairness.
Mr Omar said the estimated loss of $150 billion financial prejudice due to sanctions was colossal for a developing country such as Zimbabwe.
Zambian ambassador to China Mr Ivan Zyuulu also called for the unconditional removal of the sanctions saying they have negatively affected the country’s socio-economic conditions for more than two decades.
“The sanctions are not only a drawback on Zimbabwe’s economy but the Sadc economy as a whole since we are basically all neighbours and we share the same cake in the region,” said Mr Zyuulu.
Deputy Director-General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China (African Affairs Department) Mr Zhou Ping said the sanctions undermined Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and its ability to develop.
Acting Zimbabwean Ambassador to China Mr Tamuka Muranga said Zimbabwe was grateful for the support from SADC, Africa and other countries across the world.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is very grateful for the solidarity and support Zimbabwe has received over the years from the SADC region, the African Union and progressive countries around the world in this call for the removal of sanctions,” said Mr Muranga.
“The Government of Zimbabwe deeply appreciates the solidarity and support it has received from the People’s Republic of China, which has stood with Zimbabwe and its people on sanctions in the same way it boldly supported our liberation struggle.”
He also hailed the statement issued by the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 25 calling on Western countries to end sanctions on Zimbabwe.
China, he said, has also supported Zimbabwe in mitigating the impact of sanctions on the economy and the people.
“Contrary to claims that the sanctions are “targeted” at a few individuals, coercive measures continue to have a markedly negative impact beyond the “targeted” few.
“They have seriously undermined Zimbabwe’s credibility, its national image, its ability to engage and the ability of Zimbabwean companies, small, medium and large to trade and transact beyond its borders,” he said.
The Anti-Sanctions Day is in its 5th year of commemoration in the SADC region and this year’s theme was “Harnessing the youth for accelerated socio-economic development in the fight against sanctions”.
Diaspora community in China representative Mr Ronald Tafirenyika said it was difficult for Zimbabweans to open bank accounts owing to sanctions. Most banks, he said, were hesitant to open bank accounts for Zimbabweans in fear of the penalties that the US Office of Foreign Assets Control could impose.
Online Reporter