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Leonard Ncube Senior Reporter
THE United States has failed in its bid to effect regime change in Zimbabwe and its recent tightening of sanctions shows how low the imperialist country had stooped, analysts and Zanu-PF said yesterday.The US announced its decision on the eve of Independence Day, tightening its illegal economic sanctions against Zimbabwe by adding Registrar General Tobaiwa Mudede and several Chinese nationals doing business in the country to a travel and financial blacklist.
Observers said the US should be ashamed of itself and has to rethink on its failed and predictable illegal regime change agenda.
Zanu-PF Chief Whip, Cde Joram Gumbo said the West had been hit hard by the party’s crushing victory in last year’s harmonised elections and was now trying to frustrate the country.
“This is really a situation that is expected from the West as they will always try to frustrate us and we cannot expect anything good from the US. Instead of joining us in celebrating our independence they pour cold water to dampen our spirits,” said Cde Gumbo.
He added: “It is embarrassing for a country like the US to wait for such a day to make such a move. Look at even the inclusion of the Registrar General (Tobaiwa Mudede). It’s a sign that they are not happy about their favourite party (MDC)’s loss and they believe it was because of Mudede but we didn’t think the US could sink so low.”
Cde Gumbo however, urged Zimbabweans to remain focused as they have endured under sanctions for a long time and survived.
“Honestly there is no messiah for us in the West,” added Cde Gumbo.
Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Joshua Malinga said the illegal economic sanctions were a form of war the West was waging against Zimbabwe.
“These people do not want Zimbabwe to be free to the extent of celebrating its sovereignty. We must know that capitalism is a conspiracy against the disadvantaged. Their imperialism is an affirmative action for them to continue enjoying the world as they don’t want Zimbabweans to come out of marginalisation,” said Cde Malinga.
He said the US had a grand divide and rule scheme – but urged Zimbabweans to remain united.
The US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2002 in protest over the land reform programme. The measures that are illegal because they were effected without endorsement of the UN, have caused untold suffering to ordinary Zimbabweans.
Dr Lawton Hikwa, a university lecturer said there was no way the US can walk on high moral ground and dictate which countries or individuals should trade or invest in Zimbabwe. He said if anything, the sanctions have made Zimbabweans more resilient as they have survived them for over a decade.
“The US should rethink on its regime change strategy as it has failed dismally. In fact, they should be ashamed if that is part of their foreign policy,” Dr Hikwa said.
Another political analyst, Dr Nhamo Mhiripiri, said it was expected that the US would continue disrespecting Zimbabwe and try to discredit its sovereignty.
“There is nothing new in this kind of disrespect. Why should we not celebrate our independence? We would have been wary if the US had suddenly changed its stance and asked ourselves what they wanted,” he said.
Dr Mhiripiri said the US had shown a petty mindset.
“It is demonstration of how uncultured and unrefined they are. They have shown how cheap their soul, personality and intellect is by trying to spoil our celebrations. But it was predictable and we expected that kind of pettiness.”
He said the country was not under any pressure from the economic embargo as it has survived them for a long time.
“We do not really want well-wishers after a decade of toiling. If well-wishers come they should respect us because they are dealing with human beings,” he said.
Online Reporter