Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
CUBA has reiterated its opposition to unilateral sanctions against Zimbabwe and commended the Southern African Development Community for its solidarity in opposing the United States economic blockade.
In an official statement following the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, confirmed that his country remained resolutely opposed to unilateral coercive measures targeting Zimbabwe.
“On the Southern African Development Community Anti-Sanctions Day, we reiterate Cuba’s rejection of the application of unilateral coercive measures against Zimbabwe,” he said.
Minister Parrilla extended gratitude to SADC member states for their long-standing opposition to the United States blockade against Cuba and for their concerted efforts to advance the cause within the African Union.
“We express our gratitude for the historic stance taken by SADC member states against the US blockade imposed on our people, as well as for their solidarity, support and leadership in advancing this cause within the African Union,” he said.
Sanctions against Zimbabwe date back to the early 2000s following protracted disagreements between the Harare administration and Western governments over the land reform programme, governance, human rights and electoral processes.
The United States enacted the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act in 2001, while the European Union introduced its own restrictive measures in February 2002, which included an arms embargo, travel bans and asset freezes targeting designated individuals and entities.
The United States subsequently introduced targeted financial sanctions against specific individuals and corporate entities.
These measures have since undergone various reviews, with the European Union lifting or suspending many of its restrictions over the intervening years.
However, Zimbabwe continues to demand the total removal of all remaining measures that constrain its economic development.
The SADC Anti-Sanctions Day is commemorated annually on 25 October following a resolution adopted at the regional bloc’s 39th Summit in Tanzania in August 2019.
The day serves as a coordinated platform for member states to collectively call for the immediate removal of all forms of sanctions against Zimbabwe.
Minister Parrilla concluded by stating that Cuba poses no threat to any nation, reiterating its enduring opposition to the United States blockade.
