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Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
Zimbabweans from all walks of life are today commemorating Anti-Sanctions Day, calling for the unconditional removal of the embargo imposed by the West, which is hurting ordinary citizens.
Political analysts yesterday slammed the West for being reluctant to remove illegal sanctions as a way of pushing a regime change agenda in the country.
In Harare, the Anti-Sanctions commemorations will be held outside the American Embassy where there is going to be a march from the small service gate (North Wearld) and main proceedings will be held at the main entrance (Flame Lily Road) .
Broad Alliance Against Sanctions co-founder Mr Calvern Chitsunge said illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe continue to wreak havoc on the livelihood of ordinary citizens.
“It is high time that we, as Zimbabweans speak with one voice. We are grateful to the SADC community through its Chairperson President Mnangagwa for standing with the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Political analyst, Mr Witness Dube said the removal of the undemocratic measures of fostering regime change by imperial forces is long overdue.
“They create conditions that enable these forces to exploit our resources for next to nothing as our economy is denied a fair opportunity to face theirs in the market. Any perceived political gains by the opposition and their western acolytes are myopic and self-serving,” he said.
Dr Augustine Tirivangana said the US should come clean on sanctions.
“The impression being peddled by the US is that the majority of Zimbabwean citizens have been removed from the hook of its sanctions. What callous dishonesty and hypocrisy,” he said. Dr Tirivangana said Africans, in unison, should shame such duplicity from wherever they are, as changing colour is not changing substance.
Another analyst, Dr Tongai Dana said the unified voice of SADC member states on this day highlights the growing regional recognition of the detrimental impact these sanctions have had on Zimbabwe’s socio-economic well-being over the past two decades.
“While sanctions are often justified as a means of pressuring governments to adhere to certain political standards, their long-term effects on ordinary citizens, especially the most vulnerable women, children, and the elderly have been devastating,” he said. Dr Dana said when citizens are deprived of economic stability, healthcare, and basic freedoms due to external constraints, it creates fertile ground for social unrest, internal conflict, and instability.
Mrs Rudo Mugweme, said it was time the Western world removed the sanctions and be a friend to Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter