Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira, Zimpapers Writer
COMBINED efforts by Zimbabwe and its regional peers in SADC will lead to the collapse of the illegal economic sanctions that were imposed on the country by the United States (US) and its Western allies, President Mnangagwa said.
Ahead of the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day on October 25, President Mnangagwa, who is the Zanu-PF First Secretary, said this while delivering closing remarks yesterday during the 22nd National Annual People’s Conference held in Mutare.
SADC set aside October 25 of every year to make a regional combined effort to call for the removal of sanctions.
In his remarks, President Mnangagwa said collective and rigorous effort against the embargo will result in their demise.
“Comrades, one week from now, on the 25th of October, is SADC Anti-Sanctions Day. Through combined efforts, with other countries in the region and beyond, the walls of sanctions and coercive measures must crumble,” said President Mnangagwa.
“In our respective provinces and districts, let us conscientise and mobilise our nation to resist and continue amplifying their voices towards the total and unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions imposed on our country. United we stand, divided we fall. Victory is certain.”
Since the inception of the Second Republic, President Mnangagwa has embarked on an aggressive engagement and reengagement campaign that has resulted in some countries lifting economic sanctions.
Responding to the unconditional removal of sanctions call by President Mnangagwa, Zanu-PF delegates said there was no justification for their continued stay.
Zanu-PF Women’s League Secretary for External Affairs, Cde Betty Kaseke, said women bore the brunt of the illegal sanctions.
“As women of this country, we are the most affected. Since those who imposed sanctions claim they are targeted at certain individuals, that is not true because they are affecting ordinary persons. To those countries that have stood with Zimbabwe, we commend them and urge them to remain behind us to the end,” she said.
Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Local Government and Devolution for Harare Province, Cde William Govha, described the sanctions as evil.
“Evil is the word to describe the illegal sanctions. That is what they are. There is no justification whatsoever for their imposition. We will remain resolute in support of our President. They are not targeted, but they are against ordinary persons. They were imposed because we had taken back our land from erstwhile colonial masters, our birthright, so there is no justification,” he said.
War Veterans League chairperson for Mashonaland Central Province, Cde Martin Kwainona, described President Mnangagwa’s remarks denouncing sanctions as striking and important.
“When the President says a nation is developed by its own people, it means it is everyone’s responsibility to fight the sanctions. It is not just the Government’s duty to fight the illegal sanctions. We will never surrender our sovereignty, as the West and the United States of America wanted when they imposed them,” said Cde Kwainona, who himself was once under the illegal sanctions.
Citizens Against Economic Sanctions executive director, Mr Martin Zharare, said they will continue mobilising Zimbabweans, including on October 25, to fight the sanctions.
“Our role is to move around the country to conscientise everyone on how sanctions affect us. I am happy that President Mnangagwa addressed this issue at this conference, which was quite successful. We will continue denouncing the sanctions,” said Mr Zharare.
