SADC congratulates Zimbabwe on UNSC election, renews sanctions call

THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has congratulated Zimbabwe on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term, expressing confidence that Harare will advance the interests of the region, Africa and the Global South on the international stage.

At the same time, the regional bloc has reiterated its long-standing call for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, saying the measures continue to constrain the country from realising its full economic potential.

Zimbabwe was elected to the UNSC for the 2027-2028 term in June this year after securing 183 votes out of 187 ballots cast by United Nations member states, in a major diplomatic victory for the country and the region.

In its communiqué issued after the Summit in Durban on Monday, the regional bloc said Zimbabwe’s election presented an opportunity for the country to champion multilateralism and the interests of developing countries.

“Summit congratulated the Republic of Zimbabwe on its election as a Non- Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2027-2028 term and expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s ability to advance multilateral cooperation, promote international peace and security, and effectively represent the interests of the SADC region, Africa, and the Global South within the UNSC,” reads part of the communiqué.

Zimbabwe’s election comes at a time when the country has intensified its diplomatic engagement with the international community while pushing for the removal of sanctions it says have undermined economic growth and constrained access to international finance.

The SADC Summit maintained the regional bloc’s longstanding position on the sanctions, which have been in place for more than two decades.

“Summit reiterated its long-standing call for the removal of sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe, highlighting that the sanctions continue to limit the Republic of Zimbabwe from attaining its full economic potential.”

The renewed call comes as Zimbabwe continues implementing measures under its economic development agenda aimed at attracting investment, expanding production and strengthening export capacity.

SADC has previously declared solidarity with Zimbabwe over the sanctions, with the regional bloc observing the annual Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day on 25 October to raise awareness of their perceived impact on the country’s economy.

Zimbabwe’s election was widely viewed as a significant diplomatic achievement, particularly as the country will represent the African continent alongside other elected members during its 2027-2028 tenure.

The 46th SADC Summit also considered a range of regional economic, political and security issues as member states sought to deepen integration and cooperation.