Zimbabweans in Namibia petition US Embassy in that country over sanctions

ZIMBABWEANS residing in Namibia have joined growing regional and international calls for the unconditional removal of economic sanctions imposed on the country by the United States and its Western allies, describing the illegal embargo as a punitive measure that has caused hardships on the ordinary people.

As an expression of displeasure and amplifying calls for the removal of the sanctions, Zimbabweans in Namibia yesterday presented a petition at the United States embassy in Windhoek.

The group who call themselves ‘Zimbabwe Citizens Against Sanctions’ said last year the country lost over $150 billion in potential investment due to the illegal sanctions.
“ZDERA (Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act) restricts Zimbabwe’s access to global financial institutions like the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and World Bank, stifling economic recovery and development for over two decades,” reads their statement that was read before senior American embassy officials.
“In 2023 alone, Zimbabwe reportedly lost over $150 billion due to these sanctions.”

The pressure group said sanctions have a ripple effect on the country’s healthcare and education sectors as well as restricting infrastructure development.
“Hospitals and clinics face shortages of essential supplies, schools struggle to remain open, and public infrastructure is deteriorating rapidly. As noted by Alena Douhan, UN Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures, sanctions have exacerbated existing hardships, affecting vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities,” reads the statement.

In order for Zimbabwe to compete on a level playing field on world markets, the group called for the total removal of the illegal embargo.
“Sanctions were originally implemented in 2001 under the ZDERA and were aimed at promoting human rights and democratic practices. However, they have instead severely affected ordinary Zimbabweans, failing to achieve their intended political reforms while causing immense economic and social suffering.
“Foreign investment has dwindled due to penalties imposed on investors engaging with Zimbabwe, leading to industry closures and an unemployment rate surpassing 80 percent,” said the group.
They also called for diplomatic dialogue in solving the impasse between the US and Zimbabwe.
“We request that the U.S. engage in peaceful, constructive discussions with Zimbabwe’s government to resolve concerns through diplomacy.
“We call on the United States to lift these sanctions immediately and engage in meaningful dialogue with Zimbabwe to promote mutual understanding and development,” reads the statement.