by Grace Chekai    

The Africa Union Bureau has called for the lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe and Sudan so that they could be able to fight the COVID-19 virus that has so far infected over a million people globally.

In a statement issued yesterday, the AU Bureau said:
“The Heads of States and Government strongly urged for the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and Sudan to allow them to adequately respond to the pandemic and save lives.

“The African Union has repeatedly called for the lifting of these punitive sanctions, which the Bureau consider intolerable and inhumane in the present context.”

The Bureau appealed for international cooperation and support in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus on the continent during a teleconference which was led by AU Chairperson and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Bureau noted that there is a growing urgency in the need for medical supplies, including personal protective equipment for healthcare workers across affected African countries.

During the teleconference, the bureau agreed to establish continental ministerial coordination committees on Health, Finance, and Transport in order to support the comprehensive continental strategy.

The call for the lifting of sanctions comes hard on the heels of a similar call by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

 “I am encouraging the waiving of sanctions imposed on countries to ensure access to food, essential health supplies, and COVID-19 medical support. This is the time for solidarity not exclusion,” wrote Guterres.

The appeal reflects intensifying concerns that the sanctions may be impeding efforts in Zimbabwe, Iran, Sudan, Cuba and North Korea to fight the pandemic.

In a statement last week, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Sibusiso Moyo said that the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe had limited Government`s capacity to import test kits, medicines, face shields and other protective kits to prevent the further spread of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the Government is doing all it can to contain the spread of coronavirus. Today marks the eighth day of a 21-day lock down meant to contain the killer virus. The Zimbabwe Government is also encouraging citizens to implement World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines in preventing the spread of the virus.

These include washing one`s hands frequently, maintaining social distancing especially with anyone who is coughing or sneezing and to avoid the touching of nose, eyes and mouth.

Zimbabwe has to date recorded nine coronavirus cases and one death.