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Joseph Madzimure
Senior Reporter
The Congolese Community in Zimbabwe president Bishop CB Motondo has called for the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, saying they are affecting the smooth running of regional groupings such as SADC and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 63rd independence anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Congo held in Harare on Thursday last week.
The call comes as the anti-sanctions campaign has taken a regional character after SADC adopted October 25 as the day of action against sanctions on Zimbabwe.
With the exception of a few Western countries, particularly the United States, more countries have joined those opposed to the sanctions from the beginning and admitted that the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe are unnecessary and choke economic development.
“The continued existence of these sanctions has a negative impact on the Government’s ability to address socio-economic issues, and also hinders the achievement of the 2030 agenda,” said Bishop Motondo.
“We have been colonised for so long. We have fought and won the independence that African countries are enjoying today. We cannot continue to be under the control of imperialists through their proxies in Africa.”
Bishop Motondo said it was unfair to keep sanctions on Zimbabwe, as they were not serving any purpose apart from making life difficult for citizens.
“It’s not something that we are proud of,” he said. “We are urging those who imposed the sanctions to remove them to ensure Zimbabwe realises its potential.
“SADC member States should continue calling for the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe to ensure smooth trade of products in the region. We say no to sanctions against Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabwe needs to be liberated; it needs to be freed from these sanctions. It has a lot to do for its people and the region at large. Zimbabwe needs to fulfil its vision without hindrance.”
The Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa is working towards improving the lives of citizens and modernising infrastructure cutting across roads, the health sector and electricity.
Bishop Motondo praised the peaceful environment which exists in Zimbabwe, and the warm reception accorded to other African nationals.
“We are grateful to Zimbabwe for accommodating Congolese in the country,” he said.
“Zimbabwe and Congo are Siamese twins; they work together in a number of areas. They have a common alliance in governance and as Congolese, we are grateful for everything that Zimbabwe is doing for us, especially accommodating a number of Congolese nationals in the country.”
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