It is time sanctions on Zimbabwe are lifted

FOR over two decades now, our country has been subjected to illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and its Western allies for political and economic reasons.

These sanctions have caused devastation and depravity for our people, the economy and the overall development of the country. It is time for these sanctions to be lifted and for Zimbabwe to be allowed to chart a prosperous future.

The sanctions were imposed without legal basis or justification and have crippled our development, stifling economic growth and preventing access to essential credit and resources. As a result, infrastructure development, healthcare and education have all been adversely affected. The average Zimbabwean has borne the brunt of these illegal sanctions, with businesses collapsing, jobs being lost and economic growth stunted.

The sanctions have also been used as a tool of political manipulation, with certain interests seeking to exert pressure on the Government and promote their own agenda. This has led to widespread distrust and disunity within the country, making it difficult for Zimbabwe to move forward positively and constructively.
Furthermore, the sanctions have undermined our country’s sovereignty. This is despite the fact that the Western countries that imposed these sanctions claim to promote democracy and respect for governance, yet they are undermining these values in Zimbabwe by undermining the elected government.

The sanctions are a clear violation of international law and despite overwhelming evidence of their devastating impact, the United States and its Western allies have continued to defend their actions and maintain the sanctions in place. This West’s cynical and short-sighted position has frustrated SADC and prompted the regional bloc to declare October 25 an annual Anti-Sanctions Day aimed at denouncing the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

These sanctions have had a devastating impact on our people, country and economy. It is high time that these sanctions are lifted and that Zimbabwe is supported in its effort to grow and develop. Zimbabwe has a rich culture and resources that can be leveraged to create a prosperous future for all its citizens. Stifling the growth of an entire country for political reasons is not fair.

Zimbabweans are resilient and have always overcome adversity time and time again, but the sanctions have put an unbearable burden on them. It is time for the international community to act and alleviate that burden. The illegal sanctions must be lifted for Zimbabwe to chart its own course to prosperity. Only through co-operation and support will our country be able to unlock its full potential and build a brighter future for all citizens.