Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE has paid tribute to Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other African countries for their unwavering solidarity and continued calls for the unconditional removal of illegal sanctions imposed on it by Western nations.
Addressing fellow Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe deeply appreciates the solidarity and calls for the unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions by SADC and other African countries.
He said the support has strengthened Zimbabwe’s resolve to stay the course on reforms and development.
“Excellencies, it is regrettable that for over two decades, Zimbabwe’s economic performance has been constrained by harsh unilateral, coercive measures imposed by some Western countries following the Land Reform Programme which we do not regret,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the measures have undermined policy effectiveness, restricted access to investment, technology and international credit markets and negatively affected ordinary citizens.
President Mnangagwa however said despite the sanctions, Zimbabwe has been able to implement major infrastructure projects as it works to modernise and industrialise its economy.
Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Day which is commemorated annually on 25 October, was set aside by the 39th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam Tanzania, in August 2019 following recommendations by the late President of Tanzania Cde John Magufuli.
Calls for the unconditional lifting of the illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe are coming from across the globe and are getting louder with each passing year.
African leaders have called for the unconditional lifting of the illegal sanctions at many fora including the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The leaders have said the sanctions have not only caused suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans but have collateral negative impact on neighbouring countries. What is however, positive is that despite being under the albatross of the illegal economic sanctions, Zimbabwe has been making headway in its quest to achieve its goals.
Instead of just mourning about sanctions, Zimbabwe has come up with robust strategies to grow the economy while countering the impact of the illegal sanctions.
