Sundaymail Editor
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
ZIMBABWE will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day on Friday, with President Mnangagwa set to headline the event as chairperson of the regional bloc.
The President is expected to deliver a national address as well as a statement on Anti-Sanctions Day in his capacity as SADC chairperson.
The Government has already set up activities to mark the day, including the SADC Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Summit, which will comprise a media indaba, roadshow, cultural and music events, solidarity marches and public awareness campaigns.
Other activities include innovation exhibitions by schools and tertiary institutions, panel discussions, workshops as well as documentaries.
SADC Heads of State are expected to deliver solidarity messages in support of Zimbabwe’s growing lobby for the lifting of the embargo. Also, the country’s diplomatic missions stationed around the world will hold activities to commemorate the day.
This year’s event is running under the theme “Embracing Innovation towards Vision 2030: The Relentless Fight against Illegal Sanctions”.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said all was set for the important regional event.
“Zimbabwe will on Friday join the rest of SADC in commemorating the Anti-Sanctions Day. I can say all systems are set and we are ready. A number of activities are lined up for the day and the Cabinet has already approved the programme.”
Prof Murwira called on the United States, the UK and European Union to remove the coercive and illegal measures that were unilaterally imposed outside international law.
“Zimbabwe and other affected nations continue to fall victim to unilateral coercive measures, which run counter to the purposes and principles of the Charter of United Nations and international law, multilateralism and the basic norms of international relations,” he said.
Director for constitutional and parliamentary affairs in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Mrs Winnet Kanyerere said one of the most devastating effects of sanctions is that they block multilateral funding to Zimbabwe.
“For instance, when Zimbabwe qualifies for loans and/or debt relief from the IMF, World Bank and other multilateral financial institutions, ZDERA expressly directs US representatives at all such institutions to oppose or vote against such requests,” she said.
The SADC Anti-Sanctions Day was declared by Tanzania in August 2019 when the country’s former leader, the late Dr John Magufuli, chaired the regional body.
It is an occasion when SADC member states collectively voice their disapproval of sanctions on Zimbabwe through various activities and platforms.
The illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West have largely contributed to the country’s economic hardships as they have placed impediments on investment and trade.
Lobby group Broad Alliance Against Sanctions co-founder and chairperson Mr Calvern Chitsunge said sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe are not targeted at top officials as claimed but affect the whole nation.
“America and its allies remain adamant in refusing to remove these illegal sanctions, which are affecting the ordinary citizens. In their argument, they say the measures are only targeting certain individuals, yet the pain is felt by everyone,” he said.
“We all know that 17 fire tenders were seized last year by Lithuania because of the so-called sanctions. The fire tenders are specifically meant for firefighting and emergency responses, especially in rural areas.
“Confiscation undermines local authorities’ capacity to safeguard life, properties and communities when fire incidents occur. Sanctions are a violation of human rights.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter