By Tawanda Musariri
Diplomats representing SADC countries accredited in Algiers, Algeria, have forcefully come out condemning the sanctions imposed by America and the European Union (EU) on Zimbabwe, and called for their immediate removal by the aggressing blocs.
In a communique from the North African country, chairperson of SADC country diplomats, Ambassador Omar Yussuf Mzee of Tanzania said, “The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of Mission accredited to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, in pursuance to the decision of the 39th ordinary summit of Heads of State and Government of the SADC, held from 17-18 August 2019 in Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, hereby implement the resolution that Friday 25th October 2019 is the date on which SADC member States collectively voice their disapproval on sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the European Union and the United States of America until they are lifted.”
The Diplomats collectively raised their concern over the negative impact the sanctions have on the economic well-being of Zimbabwe. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister in Harare, Sibusiso Moyo is quoted in the local daily saying his country lost US$98 billion due to the trade embargo in the past eighteen years the sanctions have been in place.
The SADC Heads of Mission further note with deep concern for the negative effects of prolonged political and economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, continued Ambassador Yussuf Mzee.
Zimbabwe fell out of favour with the two blocs and was punished for redistributing land previously held and exploited for a century by a minority colonial white settler population, to landless natives who fought a bloody war to reclaim the same land.
