Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday praised the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for its unwavering support in condemning, and calling for the lifting of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West.
In a statement on the eve of the SADC anti sanctions day, his maiden as the Chairperson of the regional block, President Mnangagwa emphasized that the sanctions not only undermine the nation’s sovereignty but also infringe on the basic human rights of Zimbabweans.
He said it was noteworthy that the region had made tremendous progress in pressuring the West to lift the sanctions since 2020, when the 40th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government designated the 25th of October as the SADC Anti Sanctions Day.
“SADC member States have always stood in solidarity with Zimbabwe. The 40th Heads of State and Government Summit decision added impetus to our collective resolve to fight against these illegal measures, which violate the basic human rights of ordinary Zimbabweans,” he said.
He paid tribute to the last SADC Chairperson His Excellency, João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and other past Chairpersons for condemning and calling for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the sanctions.
“It is the ordinary people, particularly the vulnerable, who bear the brunt of these heinous and inhumane measures, which also stifle economic and social progress in Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa said.
“In solidarity, the SADC community, today, joins Zimbabwe in calling for the immediate and unconditional removal of these unwarranted and cruel sanctions, which violate the basic tenets of international law and the Charter of the United Nations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said as the region enjoys relative peace and stability and continues to work towards achieving a prosperous and integrated region, strides should be made to secure a future where all countries and peoples realise their mutually shared aspirations without leaving anyone and any place behind.
He added that the imposition of sanctions undermines collective efforts towards regional integration and sustainable development.
“As a community, we have to continue working together to ensure that our region remains a beacon of hope and prosperity, for generations to come.
“May this message transcend our borders and reach the ears and rattle the conscience of those perpetuating these cruel sanctions. They must realise the extent of harm their reprehensible actions inflict on the generality of the people of Zimbabwe, on the SADC region, and Africa, at large,” he said.
He implored all progressive countries to continue rendering their principled support, to enable Zimbabwe and the SADC region to meaningfully contribute to the socio-economic development of the region and the world.
New Ziana
