Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has thanked SADC member States and other nations in the progressive world for their unwavering support in calling for the removal of unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by some Western countries.
In his address marking the 2026 Anti-Sanctions Day, President Mnangagwa said illegal sanctions have no place in the progressive world, as they continue to impede development.
The Anti-Sanctions Day was set aside by the 39th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in August 2019 for the region to call for the unconditional lifting of the prolonged sanctions.
Zimbabwe has endured more than two decades under the illegal sanctions. President Mnangagwa called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of what he described as “these heinous and unjustified illegal unilateral sanctions”.
“These measures have no place in a progressive world and continue to impede the country’s economic development, undermine access to international finance and investment, as well as our full participation in global trade,” he said.
“Sanctions not only punish our country, but the entire SADC family and infringe Zimbabwe’s role in advancing an integrated Africa. On behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe and on my own behalf, I wish to express appreciation to SADC Member States and allies in the progressive world for their unwavering support in calling for the removal of unilateral and unjustified sanctions imposed on our country by some Western countries.”
President Mnangagwa said the solidarity demonstrated a shared commitment to a just and fair global order that respected sovereign equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and the sovereign right of every nation to chart its own destiny.
“The theme for this year’s commemorations — ‘Leveraging Regional Integration and Global Partnerships for Economic Transformation Beyond Illegal Sanctions’ — is pertinent to our national development aspirations,” he said.
“Guided by the philosophy that ‘Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none’, we are strengthening diplomatic relations, broadening international engagement and pursuing economic transformation through a responsive national development agenda.”
International partners and other regional blocs also joined the call for the removal of the illegal sanctions.
