The ruling party in Zimbabwe, ZANU PF, has expressed disappointment with the European Union’s decision to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/02/04/eu-renews-zimbabwe-sanctions-for-another-year-citing-the-situation/">extend the arms embargo on the country.</a> They believe that the EU should consider the professionalism of the Zimbabwean security forces and their commitment to human rights when making such decisions.
The EU recently renewed its restrictive measures for another year, until February 20, 2025. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the reason for the extension is cited as “the situation” in Zimbabwe. The sanctions include an arms and equipment embargo that could be used for internal repression, as well as a targeted freeze on assets belonging to Zimbabwe Defence Industries.
In response, Farai Marapira, the ZANU PF Director for Information and Publicity, stated that this decision hinders the country’s progress towards prosperity. He emphasised that Zimbabwe remains dedicated to peace, stability, and good governance. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zanu-pf-condemns-arms-embargo-extension/">The Herald</a> quoted him as saying:
<blockquote>
As Zanu PF, we are disappointed but not surprised to learn about the EU’s decision to extend the arms embargo on Zimbabwe.
This decision further undermines our efforts to build a prosperous nation. We remain committed to peace, stability, and good governance.
The EU must recognise our comprehensive reforms and engage constructively. These reforms implemented under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa are undeniably palpable.
</blockquote>
He also praised the Zimbabwean security forces for their “professionalism and adherence to human rights”. Marapira argued that it is time to rebuild trust, promote dialogue, and lift the outdated restrictions imposed on Zimbabwe.

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<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2020/06/28/august-1-victims-families-yet-to-be-compensated/">August 1 Victims’ Families Yet To Be Compensated</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2020/06/29/full-text-motlanthe-commission-was-set-up-to-absolve-ed-zanu-pf-and-army-from-august-1-killings/">FULL TEXT: Motlanthe Commission Was Set Up To Absolve ED, ZANU PF And Army From August 1 Killings</a></li>
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The Zimbabwean army is facing accusations of violating the rights of its citizens, particularly during election periods. Critics claim that instead of operating independently as a state entity, the army follows instructions from the ruling party, ZANU PF. This raises concerns that the availability of arms could be used to further infringe upon human rights. However, it’s important to note that the army has also participated in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, African Union, and Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Marapira concluded by expressing Zimbabwe’s willingness to work with the EU and demonstrate their commitment to a peaceful and prosperous nation. He emphasized that Zimbabwe keeps its doors open and hopes for a return of common sense in the West.
The sanctions on Zimbabwe were initially imposed in 2011 due to alleged human rights violations under the leadership of the late Robert Mugabe. They have been renewed annually since then, with some entities and individuals being removed or added to the sanctions list.
Proponents of the sanctions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, argue that they are targeted and do not harm the general population or the country’s economy. However, ZANU PF, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, and the United Nations contend that the sanctions have unintended consequences for ordinary people and entities. They argue that the sanctions have hindered Zimbabwe’s ability to trade with neighbouring countries, affecting not only the Zimbabwean economy but also that of its neighbours.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

ZANU PF Disappointed As EU Extends Arms Embargo On Zimbabwe

The European Union’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, has purchased a house in a prestigious Harare neighbourhood just one year into his four-year term, a move considered highly unusual by diplomats. Kirchmann, a German diplomat, bought the property in Highlands and immediately began extensive renovations.
While there is no suggestion of illegality, diplomats expressed concern about potential conflicts of interest and susceptibility to manipulation by the Zimbabwean government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly played a role in facilitating the purchase and securing necessary permissions. Kirchmann has reportedly formed close relationships with some members of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime. An anonymous source told ZimLive:
<blockquote>
He calls some ministers ‘my brother’ and his wife Maria has found a friend in first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
</blockquote>
<img alt="Jobst von Kirchmann house Highlands Harare 1" class="alignnone wp-image-265831 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="472" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 472px) 100vw, 472px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-1-300x300.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-1-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-1-90x90.jpg 90w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-1.jpg 768w" width="472"/>
The purchase has raised eyebrows among diplomats, as it is uncommon for an ambassador to acquire property before completing their term. Said a Western diplomat:
<blockquote>
It may not be expressly prohibited by the Geneva Convention, but it raises potential conflict of interest. It makes him potentially susceptible to manipulation by the regime.
If for instance the government implements currency measures that encourage arbitrage but benefit property holders like him, will he speak out?
</blockquote>
If Kirchmann and his wife decide to remain in Zimbabwe after his posting, they would need to switch to other permits, as diplomatic service does not count towards permanent residency qualification.
<img alt="Jobst von Kirchmann house Highlands Harare 2" class="wp-image-265832 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="532" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-2-300x300.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-2-60x60.jpg 60w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-2-90x90.jpg 90w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jobst-von-Kirchmann-house-Highlands-Harare-2.jpg 768w" width="532"/>
Jobst von Kirchmann has a son who attends a prestigious school in Harare that has a long waiting list for admission.
The spokesperson for the EU mission declined to comment on the ambassador’s personal matters. Kirchmann has a background in law, having trained in Germany and France, and has worked as a lawyer, prosecutor, and judge before joining the European Union institutions.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

EU Ambassador To Zimbabwe Purchases A House In Harare

Around 23,000 tonnes of fertiliser donated to Zimbabwe by Russia have been blocked by the European Union (EU) due to its agricultural export blockade on Russia. This blockade was implemented in response to the conflict in Ukraine, <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/eu-blocks-zim-fertiliser-consignment">The Sunday Mail</a> reported. Last year, several developing countries, including Zimbabwe, were supposed to receive a share of 260,000 tonnes of fertiliser from Russia’s Uralchem-Uralkali for free. Malawi and Kenya have already received their share through the United Nations World Food Programme, but Zimbabwe and Nigeria have not due to the EU’s tightening blockade.
The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia, including prohibiting the export of fertiliser, in an attempt to pressure Moscow into resolving its conflict with Ukraine. However, Russia argues that blocking the export of fertiliser to countries in need is hypocritical and goes against the EU’s claim that sanctions do not apply to Russian fertiliser and food exports. Russian exporters also face obstacles and high fees due to the sanctions. In a statement last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said 96,000 tonnes of fertiliser are currently stuck in EU ports. Read the statement in part:
<blockquote>
As part of the Russia-UN Memorandum on September 7, 2022 . . . Russia took the initiative to send 262 000 tonnes of mineral fertilisers blocked in the ports of Latvia, Estonia, Belgium and the Netherlands as humanitarian aid to the poorest countries . . . Since then, however, only two deliveries have been completed.
The release of three other planned shipments — to Nigeria (34 000 tonnes), Zimbabwe (23 000 tonnes) and Sri Lanka (55 000 tonnes) — has been stalled, despite the fact that all preparatory procedures have been completed.
</blockquote>
Russia is unable to pay for services after being cut off from the SWIFT interbank messaging system, and it claims that the blockade of Russian produce at EU ports is illegal. The fertiliser blockade has also affected the UN-brokered Black Sea grain deal between Russia and Ukraine, which aimed to facilitate the delivery of Ukrainian grain to world markets in exchange for removing Western barriers on Russian agricultural exports.
Russia is a major global producer of fertiliser, accounting for a significant portion of global exports of potash, ammonia, and urea. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and consequences of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the impact of international sanctions on agricultural trade.
The blockade will likely affect Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector considering that the southern African country does not produce enough fertiliser on its own. In Zimbabwe, there are several fertiliser-producing companies, including Windmill, Zimbabwe Fertilizer Company (ZFC), Sable Chemical Industries, and Zimbabwe Phosphate Industries (ZimPhos). Windmill is known for producing compound fertilisers with a capacity of approximately 50,000 metric tonnes per year. ZFC is a leading manufacturer of compound fertilisers, ammonium nitrate, and urea, with a production capacity of over 100,000 metric tonnes annually. Sable Chemical Industries specializes in ammonium nitrate production, with a capacity of around 240,000 metric tonnes per year. ZimPhos is involved in the manufacture of phosphate-based fertilisers, but the combined output falls short of the required amounts. 
Due to this shortfall in fertiliser production, the government of Zimbabwe has allowed the importation of fertilisers to meet the required amounts. This decision was made to reduce input costs and boost grain production ahead of a farming season that may be affected by adverse El Nino weather conditions. The high prices of fertilisers in the past two years, caused by natural gas price increases and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, have made it difficult for farmers in Zimbabwe. Therefore, the government suspended import duties on nitrogenous fertiliser this October and will allow the duty-free import of up to 250,000 metric tons of urea and ammonium nitrate. Despite recent improvements in maize production, food insecurity remains a challenge in Zimbabwe, and many households still rely on aid for their food needs.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a>

EU Has Blocked Donation Of 23,000 Tonnes Of Fertiliser From Russia To Zimbabwe

The European Union (EU) has allocated €113 million (approximately US$120 million) for the refurbishment of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kariba_Dam/">Kariba Dam</a> as part of its Global Gateway initiative aimed at enhancing Zimbabwe’s electricity generation capacity.
EU ambassadors to Zimbabwe and Zambia, Jobst von Kirtman and Karolina Stasiak, along with Energy Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Edgar_Moyo/">Edgar Moyo</a>, his Zambian counterpart Peter Chibwe Kapala, and other delegates, visited the project site where the announcement was made, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200017969/eu-injects-us120m-towards-kariba-dam-rehab">NewsDay</a>.
The EU sees the rehabilitation of Kariba Dam as a crucial step in addressing global challenges in a sustainable manner. Kariba Dam is jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia, and both countries generate electricity through the Zambezi River Authority. Kirtman said:
<blockquote>
 The rehabilitation of this dam can potentially contribute to over 50% of the overall electricity production in Zimbabwe. The partnership between the EU, the Zambezi River Authority, the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Swedish International Development and Co-operation as well as Zambia and Zimbabwe is an investment not in concrete and steel, but in the future of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has a hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 1,050 megawatts located on Lake Kariba. In recent times, the region faced a crisis when water levels in the lake significantly decreased, leading to severe power shortages on both sides of the Zambezi River.
The EU emphasised the importance of rehabilitating Kariba Dam due to the potential catastrophic consequences. A collapse of the dam could result in the loss of over 500,000 lives, impact other dams, affect nearly three million people, and cause an estimated economic loss exceeding US$20 billion.
Kariba Dam was constructed in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a joint project between Zimbabwe and Zambia then known as Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia. The construction of Kariba Dam was a collaborative effort led by the Central African Power Corporation, with assistance from various international organizations and engineering firms. The dam is considered one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world, with a capacity of approximately 180 billion cubic meters of water.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

EU Has Allocated €113 million For The Refurbishment Of Kariba Dam

Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, says there is a potential risk of the Zimbabwean debt clearance process collapsing due to the anger of European Union (EU) leaders in Brussels. He attributed this anger to the continuous attacks against the EU in Zimbabwe’s state media. The strained relationship between Zimbabwe and the EU began after the August 23, 2023, harmonized elections, when ZANU PF launched unwarranted attacks on the EU for criticizing the election process as chaotic.
Zimbabwe has significant debt owed to various international creditors. The debt clearance process is overseen by former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano and the African Development Bank president, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina. Chin’ono said:
<blockquote>
My media contacts in Brussels said that this coming week is crucial for Zimbabwe as the EU is more likely to move and end the attempts to reengage with Zimbabwe unless President Mnangagwa moves to save the process. The European Union ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, who has been more than helpful to the Zimbabwean Government has been left with an upset headquarters in Brussels and an unhelpful ally in Zimbabwe.
Sources in the diplomatic community said that he tried his best to keep Zimbabwe off the pariah list but the Zimbabwean Government has failed to help him by doing the bare minimum to keep the debt clearance process going. How President Mnangagwa reacts and deals with this crisis will determine whether it will stay alive or die this coming week. 
China also wanted the debt process to work because it is owed by the Zimbabwean Government. The collapse will mean that Zimbabwe might end up defaulting on all its loans and will not be able to borrow new funds and the economy will further crumble. Americans will feel vindicated if the process collapses, Africans who were working on it will feel betrayed by the Zimbabwean Government, and the EU ambassador will at least say that he tried, but it wasn’t good enough.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.devere-zimbabwe.co.zw/news/Zimbabwe-aims-to-clear-overseas-debt-by-end-of-2025">DeVere Zimbabwe</a>, one of the world’s leading independent financial consultancy, Zimbabwe’s total public and publicly guaranteed debt stood at $18 billion in December 2022, made up of $12.8 billion in foreign debt and $5.2 billion in domestic debt, as per a debt bulletin published by the treasury.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Chin'ono Says The Zimbabwean Debt Clearance Process Could Collapse

<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text-teaser field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item">
The European Union (EU) has formally communicated its intention to suspend its US$5 million financial support for the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission (ZEC). In a statement seen by Pindula News, the Union cited concerns raised by several international Electoral Observation Missions (EOMs) regarding the independence and transparency of ZEC during the 2023 harmonised elections. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>The European Union (EU) has formally communicated its intention to suspend its 5 million USD financial support for the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission (ZEC) to both the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion and ZEC. The project supporting ZEC, which is managed by UNDP and scheduled to run until December 2024, is currently under scrutiny due to concerns raised by several international Electoral Observation Missions (EOMs) regarding the independence and transparency of ZEC during the 2023 harmonised elections.</h3>
</blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="copyright-container">The recent preliminary statements from multiple EOMs, including the EU EOM, have raised concerns about ZEC’s management of the electoral process, particularly regarding its independence and transparency. The EU contributes together with other donors to a UNDP-managed project aiming at enhancing ZEC’s institutional and technical capabilities to fulfil its constitutional mandate. In response to these concerns and in adherence to responsible management of EU development cooperation funds, the EU has initiated a procedure to suspend its contribution to this project.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item">
<blockquote>
The EU firmly underscores the critical importance of electoral management bodies serving as independent and transparent institutions in fulfilling their mandates to deliver credible and inclusive electoral processes that enjoy the trust of citizens. The EU remains open to the possibility of resuming its contribution to support efforts aiming at strengthening the electoral processes and bring such processes closer to the regional and international standards that Zimbabwe has signed.
The European Union will continue closely monitoring developments in Zimbabwe and reaffirms its commitment to collaborate with the government, independent commissions, civil society, and other stakeholders in promoting democracy, human rights and rule of law.
Background information –The ZIM-ECO2 project:
The primary goal of the ZIM ECO 2 project is to enhance ZEC’s capacity to conduct the electoral process, with the aim of contributing to the improvement of the entire electoral cycle, not limited to elections alone. This project is managed by UNDP and receives support from various donors, including the EU. Following the signing of the Financing Agreement with the Ministry of Finance in November 2022, the EU officially entered into the ZIM-ECO2 project with UNDP in December 2022, providing a total contribution of 4.7 million USD, of which approximately 1 million Euros have been spent.
</blockquote>
ZEC declared that in the presidential race, the ruling party ZANU PF emerged victorious, with their candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa winning the majority and becoming the president. However, the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Nelson Chamisa, refused to accept the election results and called for new elections. Mnangagwa was sworn in on September 4, 2023 as the president.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>
</div>

EU Has Suspended Its US$5 Million Financial Support For ZEC

The European Union (EU) on Friday made a donation of 4×4 off-road motor vehicles to support the Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Agreement (ZEPA) project.
The vehicles will be utilised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, and the National Plant Protection Office, which operates under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development.
Ambassador Pavelin Musaka, the Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, expressed gratitude for the EU’s support and highlighted the alignment of this collaboration with Zimbabwe’s national goals outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the country’s vision of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030.
Musaka said this donation underscores the EU’s role as an important partner to Zimbabwe, particularly in the country’s pursuit of economic diplomacy under the engagement and re-engagement policy of the Second Republic. Musaka said:
<blockquote>
This occasion is a demonstration of the importance of partnerships through the availing of the necessary tools of trade for the three beneficiary institutions. Your Excellency, allow me to extend our sincere gratitude for this gesture, which is a reflection of our continued cooperation.
These vehicles we are receiving today, add to the growing list of deliverables that have been achieved through the ZEPA, which include policy reviews and capacity building, to various Ministries and Agencies such as ZimTrade, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) and National Competitive Commission (NCC), to name a few.
I am also informed that there is also some ICT equipment yet to be delivered.
 The support from the EU dovetails with the Republic of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, ‘Towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030’. The advent of the Second Republic saw a major shift towards economic diplomacy that is being championed by the President, His Excellency, Dr. E.D Mnangagwa, anchored upon the national economic blueprint, the NDS1, which runs from 2021-2025.
The NDS1 aims at ensuring high, accelerated, inclusive and sustainable economic growth as well as socio-economic transformation and development as we move towards an upper middle-income society by 2030.
</blockquote>
Speaking at the same event, Mr. Franck Porte, EU’s head of cooperation, highlighted the growing trade between Zimbabwe and the EU. Porte said trade volume increased by 25% in 2022, reaching €735 million, with Zimbabwe’s exports valued at €512 million. He added:
<blockquote>
Trade, a cornerstone of the EU-Zimbabwe partnership, has been a focal point since May 2012 when Zimbabwe gained preferential access to the EU’s 27 markets under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EPA) together with four fellow ESA states: Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles.
</blockquote>
Mr. Porte reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s economic growth. He said trade has been a focal point since Zimbabwe gained preferential access to the EU’s markets in 2012 under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EPA). Porte added that the EU’s trade and development policy aims to promote inclusive growth and development in partner countries, aligning with Zimbabwe’s National Trade Policy Vision, Export Strategy, and NDS1.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

EU Donates 4x4 Off-Road Motor Vehicles To Zimbabwe

The European Union (EU) has granted €1 million to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Zimbabwe to improve community-based surveillance at some of Zimbabwe’s busy borders and along the migration routes.
The project will take two years to complete, and it aims to improve the management of migrants and preparedness plans in urban areas. The project will strengthen IOM’s flow monitoring activities at borders, in border communities, and areas where migrants congregate at different stages of their migration journeys. In a joint Press statement issued yesterday, the EU and IOM Zimbabwe said:
<blockquote>
IOM has, over the last two years, been working to strengthen capacities of frontline workers at four points of entry (PoEs) — Beitbridge, Plumtree, Chirundu and Forbes, to respond adequately to crises and attend to migrant needs, including post-arrival assistance, health, and protection assistance.
IOM will maintain protection assistance through counselling and referral services and will build on existing partnerships to provide government with the necessary technical assistance to craft contingency plans and standard operating procedures at PoEs and along the routes that migrants travel, to ensure a reinforced system of prevention, detection, and response to epidemics in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
It will involve collecting and analysing migration data to provide a more comprehensive picture of the demographics, needs, and vulnerabilities of migrants. The data will inform government and development partners on the actions required to detect, prevent, and respond to public health threats that affect migrants in mainly urban areas and ensure that migrants have access to basic health services.
The project will reach over 15,000 migrant returnees and other mobile populations and will be implemented in Beitbridge, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Hurungwe, and Harare. The project will promote the health of urban citizens, migrants, and mobile populations through raising awareness of the migration dimension emergencies and strengthening the capacity of the government to respond rapidly to crises.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

EU Grants €1M To IOM For Community-Based Surveillance In Zimbabwe

President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> (ED) believes that the participation of the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom at the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_International_Trade_Fair">Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF)</a> is proof that his efforts to improve relations with other countries are working.
He made this statement to journalists after touring the fair, which ended on Saturday, 29 April 2023. The president told journalists:
<blockquote>
The Americans are here, the British are here, the EU is here. What else would we want? Everybody is here. So this engagement and re-engagement policy is bearing fruits. Perhaps, they heard that the Majesty is coming. That’s why they are here.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s relations with the West have been strained due to political and economic issues, resulting in sanctions being imposed on the southern African nation. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has attempted to improve relations through his re-engagement policy, but progress has been slow due to concerns over human rights and governance. Some positive developments have occurred, such as the resumption of development aid by the EU and new funding pledges by the UK, but there are still obstacles to the full normalization of relations.
This year, over 20 countries participated at the ZITF, compared to only 13 last year. Angola, Belarus, Botswana, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia were the countries that participated.
The EU was the largest exhibitor, occupying 33 square meters of exhibition space, as reported by ZITF Company chairman Busisa Moyo. There were 533 exhibitors in total, taking up 46 631 square meters of exhibition space, which is 97% of the available space. This is an improvement from last year when the total space occupied was 45 786 square meters.
King Mswati III of the Royal Kingdom of Eswatini officially opened the fair and emphasized the need for greater trade and investment cooperation between Zimbabwe and Eswatini. He noted that while Eswatini imports over USD$2 billion worth of goods annually from Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe imports over USD$5.6 billion worth of goods annually from Eswatini. Despite this, trade and investment between the two countries remain insignificant compared to their economic connections with the rest of the world. Therefore, he called for closer trade and investment collaboration between the two countries.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

US, UK, EU Participation At ZITF Proof That Re-engagement Is Working  - ED

The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust has availed a US$2 million grant under a three-year project named Creative Actions Two to assist artistes.
Under the Creative Actions Two project, the Culture Fund will avail small grants of up to US$11 000 per grant and larger grants of up to US$60 000 per grant to successful applicants.
Culture Fund Executive Director Farai Mpfunya says the programme seeks to strengthen capacity, innovation and creativity in the creative industry. Mpfunya said:
<blockquote>
We have a new project called creative actions. For this project, we will be supported by the European Union, it will run for three years. So, we have come with it to explain to artists how it runs and how they can come on board.
</blockquote>
The Culture Fund and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe met with artists in Bindura to raise awareness of the fund.
Artists committed to being involved as funding has been a major constraint. <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/03/18/creative-industry-to-benefit-from-us2-million-grant/">ZBC News</a> cites one artiste as saying:
<blockquote>
The meeting we had today as artistes from all of Mashonaland Central to discuss with culture fund was an eye opener.
</blockquote>
Apart from individual practitioners and creative civil society, the project is also targeting schools, colleges, community-based actors, associations and unions, among other groups.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Culture Fund Of Zimbabwe Trust, EU Avail US$2 Million For Artistes

Zimbabwe has received €4 million (US$3,9m) from the European Union (EU) to combat the growing food security crisis, amid uncertain weather and macroeconomic conditions.
The southern African country expects lower cereal output, especially maize and wheat crops following poor rains in the 2021/22 agricultural season. 
The government says 38% of the country’s rural population, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/govt-says-3-8-million-rural-dwellers-facing-hunger-will-be-targeted-for-assistance/">about 3.8 million people, will face hunger next year.</a>
EU’s monetary support to Zimbabwe is part of a €600 million (US$578m) finance facility from the European Development Fund to provide assistance towards food production, humanitarian food aid and food system resilience.
The fund is targeted at vulnerable countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP), <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/agriculture/article/200001151/us39m-boost-to-arrest-food-security-crisis">NewsDay</a> reported.
In a statement, the EU commissioner for international partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said:
<blockquote>
The EU’s swift and comprehensive response to the current food insecurity in several vulnerable partner countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific area demonstrates our strong solidarity towards our partners, in particular in Africa.
It helps shoulder the consequences felt worldwide of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In the short-term we are helping families with food and nutrition assistance and helping countries to buy the food they need; as part of the Global Gateway strategy, we also work on solutions to address current and future risks by investing in local sustainable food systems to enhance resilience. 
</blockquote>
The United States Agency for International Development’s food security arm, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, says inflation has also hampered Zimbabwean farmers.
The EU funding comes a week after the United Kingdom (UK) under its trade partnerships programme last week moved to equip horticultural farmers with digital tools to bolster their capacity to export.
The programme was also set up to allow farmers to develop export markets for their horticulture exports into the UK and EU.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

EU Donates US$3.9m To Zimbabwe To Combat Food Insecurity

European Union (EU) member states have agreed to lift the air travel ban on southern African countries, which will allow more travel to resume.
France, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said in a tweet that the decision lifts the so-called <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/11/27/omicron-variant-hungary-imposing-travel-restrictions-on-individuals-from-7-sadc-countries/">emergency brake introduced in November following the detection of the Omicron</a>, a coronavirus variant in South Africa. Pindula News presents <a href="https://twitter.com/Europe2022FR/status/1480496740889509888">France’s tweet:</a>
<blockquote>
Member States have agreed this morning at IPCR meeting to lift the emergency break to allow air travel to resume with southern African countries. Travellers from this area will still be subject to the health measures applicable to travellers from third countries.
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European nations had suspended most air travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The union maintained the limits even after cases continued to surge around the world, despite an outcry from the region.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

EU Member States Agree To Lift The Air Travel Ban On Southern African Countries

The European Union (EU) on Monday announced new registration procedures for exporters intending to sell their commodities to the bloc under the EU- East and Southern Africa interim Economic Partnership Agreement.
The EU-ESA iEPA came into force in 2009 between the EU and Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Zimbabwe and provides preferential tariffs for goods emanating from ESA States into the EU.
The new registration procedures are contained in the Official Journal of the European Union number C 390/3.
The notice concerns the use of self-certification online for imports into the EU of products originating in Zimbabwe under the EU-ESA interim Economic Partnership Agreement. Reads part of the notice:
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This notice is issued for the information of customs authorities, importers and economic operators, which are involved in imports into the EU of products originating in Zimbabwe under the EU-ESA interim Economic Partnership Agreement (the IEPA’).
Following a notification made by Zimbabwe to the Customs Cooperation Committee of the EU-ESA iEPA activating Article 18(3) of Protocol 1 to the EU-ESA iEPA, from 1 July 2021 products originating in Zimbabwe shall, on importation into the EU, benefit from the preferential tariff treatment of the iEPA upon submission of an invoice declaration made out, as provided for in Article 23 of Protocol, by: (i) a Zimbabwean exporter registered in the EU’s Registered Exporter system (the REX system), or (ii) any Zimbabwean exporter where the total value of the originating products consigned does not exceed EUR 6 000. From that date, paragraphs 1(a) and (b) of Article 18 ceased to apply for imports into the EU from Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
The notice also said from 1 July 2021, movement certificates EUR.1 and invoice declarations made out by approved exporters are no longer valid to claim preferential tariff treatment under the EU-ESA iEPA.
The EU-ESA iEPA contains provisions concerning rules of origin, development cooperation, fisheries, trade defence instruments and dispute settlement.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/new-regulations-for-european-union-exports/">The Herald (Farirai Machivenyika)</a>

EU Announces New Registration Procedures For Exports From Zimbabwe

The head of the European Union (EU) delegation in Zimbabwe, Timo Olkkonen, has said Zimbabwe needs by-elections to replace recalled Members of Parliament and Councillors.
He said the citizenry should be allowed to choose its representatives.
Olkkonen made the remarks while speaking on HSTV’s FreeTalk on Thursday during which he said Zimbabwe needed a strong opposition if democracy was to thrive. He said:
<blockquote>Having a viable opposition that challenges and questions the government is very important.
So I do recognise those concerns that when you don’t have that kind of an opposition that would have a mandate from elections. It’s an important issue and that’s why I can understand why those statements are being made…
I would not want to go into partisan politics and comment on that. People’s representatives are lacking, which is the case now when the people have been recalled but there is need for a remedy and there will be need for elections, for people to express their will and that is why we hope that the situation will be addressed.</blockquote>
A sustained number of MDC Alliance legislators and councillors was recalled by rival MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora for allegedly ceasing to be members of the MDC-T.
MDC Alliance contested the 2018 elections and emerged as the biggest opposition while the MDC-T, then led by Thokozani Khupe, came a distant third.
Ruling on the leadership crisis in the MDC, courts said MDC Alliance was not a party therefore all its members belonged to MDC-T, “the party that gave them the passport into the election.”
The whole issue is convoluted.
Olkkonen’s remarks come amid reports that the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/04/us-and-eu-fail-to-recognise-douglas-mwonzora-as-a-credible-opposition-leader/">European Union and the United States rejected MDC-T leader, Douglas Mwonzora as the leader of the main opposition in the country.</a>
The EU reportedly said Mwonzora did not participate in the 2018 presidential election so he does not have the people’s mandate.
Meanwhile, by-elections have been suspended in Zimbabwe with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission saying the suspension was in line with a directive by the Minister of Health to combat the spread of COVID-19.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/04/zim-needs-viable-opposition-eu/">NewsDay</a>

Zimbabwe Must Hold By-Elections To Replace Recalled MPs - EU

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<div class="eeas-node-types">The European Union has granted another EUR 6.5 million (USD 7.33 million) to step up the COVID-19 response in Zimbabwe. The funds are a top-up for the EU’s existing support to the multi-donor Health Development Fund (HDF).</div>
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<div class="group-header">The European Union has granted another EUR 6.5 million (USD 7.33 million) to step up the COVID-19 response in Zimbabwe. The funds are a top-up for the EU’s existing support to the multi-donor Health Development Fund (HDF).</div>
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<blockquote>The additional support will contribute to the supply of essentials commodities (PPE, diagnostic tests among others). Additionally, training of all frontline health workers will be conducted as well as for community health workers on Infection Prevention and Case Management. As part of the preventive measures, the grant will assist in developing innovative communication tools to maintain a high level of alert in the country. Finally, the funds will contribute to a better coordination among all partners supporting the health sector with the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC).
Announcing the additional grant, EU Ambassador Timo Olkkonen said: “A global health threat needs a global response with timely and coordinated measures and solidarity. In view of the current rising epicurve which shows daily new COVID-19 positive cases, this timely support is appropriate to improving ongoing activities, which are part of an urgent response to shared priorities. The EU will continue supporting the people of Zimbabwe, monitoring the work of our trusted partner UNICEF to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable are met. We trust this will contribute to mitigate at medium terms, part of the triple crisis of socio-economic challenges, drought and COVID-19 that Zimbabwe is currently facing.”
In support to the National COVID-19 Response plan, Health Development Fund (HDF) funding partners (DFID, Irish Aid, SIDA, GAVI, EU) had already contributed to the immediate response in order to reinforce the basic and critical health services at all levels of care as well as using flexible procedures to support the early national response in March/April 2020. Support to the Health sector is one of the key support areas of the European Union in Zimbabwe under the 11th European Development Fund. Since 2016, the EU has provided over 108.26 million EUR (about USD 122.23 million) to the HDF and is one of the biggest donors to the sector.</blockquote>
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EU Grants Another US$7.33 Million To Step Up COVID-19 Response In Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sibusiso Moyo has urged Western countries to be patient with Zimbabwe as the Southern African country continues implementing reforms.
Moyo warned them against “prematurely” expecting tangible results from the reforms saying that was dangerous. He said:
<blockquote>A year is not a long time to effect the scale of reform to which we have committed ourselves. Forcing the depth and pace of such reform —especially in the ‘perfect storm’ context to which I have already referred and without any of the international support which normally underpins such massive economic restructuring would be extremely unwise: and our Western friends should think long and hard about the possible consequences of their impatience.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been on the reform path for a year now with some observers saying that the pace at which reforms are being implemented was discouraging.
The reforms are expected to transform the country into a more democratic society and a more stable economy.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/be-patient-with-us-sb-moyo-tells-diplomats/">The Herald</a>

"Think Long And Hard About Consequences Of Your Impatience," SB Moyo Tells Western Countries

Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the opposition MDC delivered his Hope of the Nation Address which he said is aimed at giving the faint-hearted Zimbabweans some hope in this sad moment.
He said Zimbabwe was in its bleakest moment as the economy continues to deteriorate. Watch the video below for more.
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More: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zimbabwemdc/videos/431722204386344/">MDC Zimbabwe; TechMagtv</a>

In Case You Missed: Chamisa's Hope Of The Nation Address

The European Union (EU) has simultaneously applauded Zimbabwe’s re-engagement efforts and has condemned the continued arrests of human rights activists.
Speaking during a joint press briefing between the EU and the government after the launch of formal political dialogue under the African-Caribbean-Pacific regions (ACP)-EU Partnership Agreement (Cotonou Agreement), EU head of delegation to Zimbabwe Timo Olkkonen said:
<blockquote>We think the government is serious with the reform agenda and we see the positive steps it is taking in terms of constitutional alignment. New legal proposals are coming up, all testament of a government moving forward.
But there are incidents like the recent arrests that have been happening on NGO and trade union activists. These are issues that we have discussed in a frank, open and constructive atmosphere in this meeting.</blockquote>
The diplomat said that the August 1 shootings and January violence were a “setback” in mending the relations between the two parties. Zimbabwe-EU relations started getting sour in 2000 when the commission accused Zimbabwe of severe human rights violations. Resultantly, the European Union in 2002 imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/82817a0ed54c/zim-making-positives-steps-on-reform-agenda-but-arrests-a-cause-for-concern-eu-1184465?e=e276f77280" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mailchi</a>

EU Says Zimbabwe Is Making Progress On Reforms, Points Grey Areas

An <a href="https://www.eureporter.co/world/2019/05/28/fake-eu-travel-news-seeks-to-undermine-reforming-zimbabwe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EU reporter</a> article has claimed that fake stories circulating on social media have the capacity to constrain the ongoing reforms.
The article made reference to a recent fake news story that spread on the social media platform, WhatsApp claiming that the European Union had issued a statement warning its citizens against traveling to Zimbabwe. Part of the article further reads:
<blockquote>This was blatantly false as the EU has issued no such warning.
In fact, the EU mission in Zimbabwe has not issued any statements or tweets since the beginning of the year. The travel advice regarding Zimbabwe offered by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, dates back to January 15th and affirms that the situation in Zimbabwe is “normalizing”.
By contrast, the recently circulated WhatsApp message claimed that “the reports coming from the Southern (sic) African country Zimbabwe reveals that all is not well and that massive labour protests are to occur nationwide”.</blockquote>
The article further observed that the Zimbabwean government is often targeted by fake stories that circulate on websites. It further reads:
<blockquote>For example, last Friday (24 May), ZWnews.com claimed that a coup was imminent, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and the army about to oust President Mnangagwa.
Headlined ‘Chiwenga, Army to oust Mnangagwa through Operation Restore Economy coup’, the story claimed that “well placed military intelligence sources” had signaled that the president would be forced to resign “after failing to resolve Zimbabwe’s economic crisis”.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.eureporter.co/world/2019/05/28/fake-eu-travel-news-seeks-to-undermine-reforming-zimbabwe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EU Reporter</a>

Fake "EU Travel News" Meant To Undermine Zimbabwean Reforms - EU Reporter

Zimbabwe is set to get €4 million from the European Union to assist victims of the Tropical Cyclone Idai. devastating floods.
A total of €12 million that will be equally shared by Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi was raised by the EU. The EU has so far donated over €15 million towards Cyclone victims.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Mr. Christos Stylianides pledged EU’s continued support to the three countries during the humanitarian crisis. He said:
<blockquote>We continue to stand in solidarity with the people affected by cyclone Idai and the floods in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. There are still urgent humanitarian needs to be met and we are scaling up our efforts so that relief continues to be brought to the people in need.</blockquote>
He observed that the cyclone left a lot of people in need of flood, shelter, water, and sanitation. He said:
<blockquote>The cyclone coincided with the annual harvest period, thereby affecting food security in the months ahead. Access to safe water is a major concern in a bid to avert the spread of disease outbreaks.</blockquote>
The government estimates that cyclone Idai left approximately 344 people dead and or missing. It also reports that property worth billions of dollars was destroyed.
<h3>Related:</h3>
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<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/10/top-govt-official-cop-in-court-for-stealing-cyclone-idai-donations/" rel="bookmark">Top Govt Official, Cop In Court For Stealing Cyclone Idai Donations</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/10/cyclone-idai-missing-persons-presumed-to-be-dead-govt/" rel="bookmark">Cyclone Idai: Missing Persons Presumed To Be Dead – Govt</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/09/eu-releases-a-further-e12-million-towards-cyclone-idai-relief/" rel="bookmark">EU Releases A Further €12 Million Towards Cyclone Idai Relief</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/09/deputy-minister-embarrassed-by-politicians-stealing-cyclone-idai-aid/" rel="bookmark">Deputy Minister ‘Embarrassed’ By Politicians Stealing Cyclone Idai Aid</a></li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zimbabwe-gets-us4m-cyclone-help-from-eu/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Chronicle</a>

Zimbabwe Receives US$4M For Cyclone Idai Victims From EU

Mr Koen Vervauke, European Union managing Director for Africa met Zimbabwean senior Government officials in Harare to deliberate on issues to boost relations.
Vervauke said the discussions touched on reforms being undertaken by the Government. He said:
<blockquote>We had a good discussion on the state of our relations. There is certainly an expectation on the European side that reforms will be continued on the economic and political side and create the space through which our relations can deepen and the European Union can work together with Zimbabwe for the future.</blockquote>
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<div class="sirius-dfp-inarticle">The Diplomat further said:</div>
<blockquote>We had an extensive discussion on the legal agenda which is being followed here and that relates to reforms, political reforms and also the alignment of important legislation that will be on the agenda of the Parliamentary session starting in May. We from the European Union certainly are convinced that these are really important projects that need to be brought to a positive outcome.
We listened that there is willingness to reform politically and economically. What is important for the European Union and even more so for the people of Zimbabwe is that these are translated to concrete acts and concrete reforms.</blockquote>
<h3>Related:</h3>
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<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/07/zimbabwe-and-european-union-resume-dialogue/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Zimbabwe And European Union Resume Dialogue</a></h4>
</li>
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More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/its-right-time-to-engage-zim-eu/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Herald</a>

EU Official Urges Zim To Continue On Reform Path

The European Union has provided a helicopter to support the relief efforts in the Eastem Highlands following the devastating impact of Cyclone !dal earlier this month.
The helicopter (MI-8AMT), operated by the World Food Programme (WFP), started its mission this rnorning from Mutare. It can transport up to three metric tons or 19 people and will connect responders with cut-off and hard-to reach areas of Chimanimani and Chipinge. This enables transport of necessary relief items (NFIs), but also personnel and injured people for a period of approximately three weeks. The helicopter will be at the free disposal of about 20 humanitarian organisations, and will do about five rotations per day.
EU Ambassador Timo Olkkonen, who will visit the affected areas on Wednesday this week, said:
<blockquote>We believe that this helicopter will make a crucial difference to the difficult relief operations currently underway. The humanitarian teams are now able to reach the victims in the most remote areas, supply them with relief items, including medicines, shelter kits and hygiene pocks, and to assist the medical evacuation where needed. Flying into the affected areas will also help us gathering a better picture of the extent of derange and devastation and to coordinate further assistance.</blockquote>
The helicopter’s cost of EUR 250.000 is covered from the EUR 3.5 million that the EU’s humanitarian arm, ECHO, has provided for relief operations in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. EU support is already on the ground through ongoing EU-funded projects, such as the Health Development Fund, which just earmarked an additional USD 600000 for crucial medication, and the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund. Beyond that, the EU’s Earth Observation Programme, Copernicus, provides Emergency Satellite Maps to gather updated information and assess the impact of Cyclone Ida!, which will assist not only the relief mission, but also the EU in determining what additional support will be needed.

EU Provides Helicopter For Cyclone Idai Relief Operation

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo said Zimbabwe and the European Union (EU) are set to resume dialogue this month.
He said the sanctions imposed by EU, though unwarranted, were a temporary setback. Moyo also criticised the renewal of sanctions on Zimbabwe by the United States. In a speech read on his behalf by secretary in the ministry, James Manzou, before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs, Moyo said informal dialogue with the EU was launched last month.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-eu-dialogue-resumes/">Herald</a>

Zimbabwe And European Union Resume Dialogue

South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has called on the European Union (EU) to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe’s government.
She said this ahead of South Africa’s bi-national meeting with Zimbabwe in March. After meeting members of the diplomatic corps in Tshwane on Tuesday, Sisulu said sanctions will affect Zimbabwe’s chances at addressing its economic challenges. Said Sisulu:
<blockquote>I thought by now sanctions imposed on the Zimbabwe government and its people would be lifted to enable the country to start afresh after all the challenges they have gone through. We call on the EU, and particularly the United Kingdom, to give the government and the people of Zimbabwe a chance to change their situation by urgently lifting the sanctions. Without lifting the sanctions, the government of Zimbabwe will never be able to address its economic challenges and this is compromising the political gains achieved since the coming in the of the new president,</blockquote>
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<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/20/mnangagwa-army-generals-escape-eu-sanctions/" rel="bookmark">Mnangagwa, Army Generals Escape EU Sanctions</a></h3>
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More: <a href="https://m.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/sisulu-urges-eu-to-lift-zim-sanctions-ahead-of-march-bi-national-meeting-20190220">News24</a>

SA Urges Lifting Of Zim Sanctions Ahead Of Bi-National Meeting

Zimbabwe 
European Parliament resolution of 14 February 2019 on Zimbabwe (2019/2563(RSP)) 
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on Zimbabwe,
– having regard to the final report of the EU Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) on the 
2018 harmonised elections in Zimbabwe and to the letter issued on 10 October by the 
Chief Observer of the EU EOM to President Mnangagwa on the key findings of the Final 
Report,
– having regard to the statement of 17 January 2019 by the spokesperson of the Vice 
President/High Representative on the situation in Zimbabwe,
– having regard to the statements of 24 July 2018 and 18 January 2019 by the spokesperson 
for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Zimbabwe,
– having regard to the Joint Communiqué issued following the EU-African Union Ministers 
of Foreign Affairs meeting on 21 and 22 January 2019,
– having regard to the monitoring report from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission in 
the aftermath of the 14 January to 16 January 2019 ‘Stay Away’ and subsequent 
disturbances,
– having regard to the report of the Zimbabwean Commission of Inquiry into the 1 August 
post-election violence,
– having regard to the statement of 2 August 2018 by the spokesperson of the VP/HR on the 
elections in Zimbabwe,
– having regard to the joint statement of 2 August 2018 by international election observation 
missions to Zimbabwe’s harmonised elections denouncing the excessive use of force by 
the police and army to quell protests,
– having regard to the joint local statement of 9 August 2018 of the EU Delegation, the 
Heads of Mission of EU Member States present in Harare and the Heads of Mission of 
Australia, Canada and the United States on the targeting of opposition in Zimbabwe,
– having regard to the conclusions of 22 January 2018 of the Council of the EU in light of 
the ongoing political transition in Zimbabwe,
– having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/288 of 17 February 2017 amending 
Decision 2011/101/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Zimbabwe1 
, 
– having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights of June 1981, which 
Zimbabwe has ratified,
– having regard to the Constitution of Zimbabwe,
– having regard to the Cotonou Agreement,
– having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the people of Zimbabwe suffered for many years under an authoritarian regime 
led by President Mugabe that maintained its power through corruption, violence, elections 
plagued by irregularities and a brutal security apparatus;
B. whereas on 30 July 2018, Zimbabwe held its first presidential and parliamentary elections 
following the resignation of Robert Mugabe in November 2017; whereas the elections 
offered the country the opportunity to break with the history of contentious elections 
marked by abuse of political and human rights and state-sponsored violence;
C. whereas on 3 August 2018, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared 
Emmerson Mnangagwa winner of the presidential election with 50.8 % of votes against 
44.3 % for the opposition candidate Nelson Chamisa; whereas the results were 
immediately contested by the opposition who claimed that the elections were rigged; 
whereas the Constitutional Court dismissed these allegations for lack of evidence and 
President Mnangagwa was officially re-invested on 26 August for a new mandate;
D. whereas the final report of the EU EOM states that the figures presented by the ZEC 
contained many anomalies and inaccuracies and raised enough questions to lead to doubts 
as to the accuracy and reliability of the numbers presented;
E. whereas the day after the election, the delay in announcing the results had already led to 
an outbreak of post-electoral violence that left six people dead and many injured during 
protests called by the opposition; whereas international observers, including the EU, 
condemned the violence and the excessive use of force by the army and internal security 
forces;
F. whereas the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission published a statement on 10 August 
2018 ‘on the 2018 harmonised elections and the post-election environment’ confirming 
that protesters were assaulted by military forces, expressing deep concern about the 
brutality and violent conduct of the police and stating that the fundamental rights of demonstrators were violated; whereas the Commission has called on the government to set 
up a national dialogue;
G. whereas on taking his oath of office in Harare on 26 August 2018, President Emmerson 
Mnangagwa promised a brighter, shared future for all Zimbabweans, transcending party 
lines, with a government unwavering in its commitment to constitutionalism, entrenching 
the rule of law, the principle of separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary 
and policies that would attract both domestic and global capital;
H. whereas in September 2018 President Mnangagwa set up a commission of inquiry which, 
in December 2018, concluded that the demonstrations which caused extensive damage to 
property and injury were incited and organised by both security forces and members of the 
MDC Alliance, and that the deployment of the military was justified and in accordance 
with the Constitution; whereas the report was rejected by the opposition; whereas the 
commission called for an investigation within the security forces and prosecution of those 
who had committed crimes, and recommended compensation for victims;
I. whereas political tensions have increased dramatically since the elections and reports of 
violence persist, seriously putting at risk the democratic trajectory initiated in the country;
J. whereas the collapse of the economy, lack of access to social services, and the rise in the 
price of the most basic of commodities pushed people to anger; whereas between 14 and 
18 January 2019, Zimbabwe witnessed a surge in protests and demonstrations during a socalled national shutdown at the initiative of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions 
(ZCTU), following a 150 % increase in fuel prices; whereas the protests were also in 
response to rising poverty, the poor state of the economy, and declining living standards;
K. whereas, faced with this protest movement, on 14 January 2019 the government 
denounced a ‘deliberate plan to undermine the constitutional order’ and assured that it 
‘will respond appropriately to those who conspire to sabotage peace’;
L. whereas the riot police responded with excessive violence and human rights abuses, 
including the use of live ammunition, arbitrary arrests, abductions, the raiding of medical 
facilities treating victims of the repression, fast-tracking and mass trials of those arrested, 
the torturing of people under arrest, cases of rape and the destruction of private and public 
property;
M. whereas the Human Rights Commission appointed by the government made public a 
report which reveals that soldiers and the police had used systematic torture;
N. whereas more than 17 people have been killed and hundreds injured; whereas around one 
thousand people have been arrested, including children aged between 9 and 16, and about 
two thirds of those arrested were denied bail; whereas many are still being illegally 
detained and have allegedly been beaten and assaulted while in custody;
O. whereas evidence shows that the army has been largely responsible for the acts of murder, 
rape and armed robbery; whereas hundreds of activists and opposition officials remain in 
hiding;
P. whereas the government’s response to protests has been widely condemned as 
‘disproportionate’ and ‘excessive’ by human rights observers and local and international 
actors, including the EU;
Q. whereas the interruption of telecommunications has become a tool used by the regime to 
block the coordination of demonstrations organised on social networks; whereas mobile 
and land-line communications, as well as the internet and social media channels, were 
repeatedly blocked to prevent access to information and communication and in order to 
mask the massive human rights violations which the state was preparing to commit; 
whereas the Zimbabwe High Court declared that the use of the Interception of 
Communications Act to suspend online communications was illegal;
R. whereas the authorities organised a massive door-to-door search for protestors, dragging 
from their homes peaceful protestors, human rights defenders, political activists, 
prominent civil society leaders and their relatives;
S. whereas neighbouring countries such as South Africa have become a hub for 
Zimbabweans fleeing political oppression and economic hardship;
T. whereas the police have continuously misused existing laws, such as the Public Order and 
Security Act (POSA), to justify the curb on opposition members and human rights 
activists, and to ban lawful and peaceful demonstrations;
U. whereas Zimbabwe’s record with regard to human rights and democracy is one of the 
poorest in the word; whereas Zimbabwean people and human rights defenders continue to 
suffer attacks, hate speech, smear campaigns, acts of intimidation and harassment, and 
there have been regular reports of acts of torture;
V. whereas the President called for a national dialogue that started on 6 February and invited 
all political parties to take part, but the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), the 
main opposition party, refused to participate;
W. whereas Zimbabwe is a signatory to the Cotonou Agreement, Article 96 of which 
stipulates that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential element 
of ACP-EU cooperation;
1. Underlines its unanimous desire for Zimbabwe to become a peaceful, democratic and 
prosperous nation in which all citizens are treated well and equally under the law and 
where the organs of the state act on behalf of the citizens and not against them;
2. Strongly condemns the violence that occurred during the recent protests in Zimbabwe; 
firmly believes that peaceful protest is part of a democratic process and that excessive 
force in response must be avoided in all circumstances;
3. Urges President Mnangagwa to remain true to his inaugural promises, to move rapidly to 
take control of the situation and to put Zimbabwe back on a path of reconciliation and 
respect for democracy and the rule of law;
4. Urges the Zimbabwean authorities to put an immediate end to abuses by security forces 
and to promptly and impartially investigate all allegations of excessive use of force by 
police and state officials in order to establish individual responsibilities, with a view to 
ensuring accountability; recalls that the country’s constitution establishes an independent 
body to investigate complaints of police and military misconduct, but that the government 
has yet to set it up;
5. Urges the Government of Zimbabwe to withdraw urgently all military personnel and the 
youth militia deployed across the country that are terrorising residents in clear violation of 
the Zimbabwean Constitution;
6. Believes that freedom of assembly, association and expression are essential components 
of any democracy; stresses that expressing an opinion in a non-violent way is a 
constitutional right for all Zimbabwean citizens and reminds the authorities of their 
obligation to protect the right of all citizens to protest against their deteriorating social and 
economic conditions; calls on the government to put an end to the specific targeting of 
leaders and members of the ZCTU;
7. Underlines the fundamental role that the opposition plays in a democratic society;
8. Urges the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all political 
prisoners;
9. Calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately stop the harassment and 
criminalisation of civil society actors and recognise the legitimate role of human rights 
defenders;
10. Asks the Zimbabwean Government to conform to the provisions of the UN Declaration on 
Human Rights Defenders and the international human rights instruments ratified by 
Zimbabwe;
11. Is deeply concerned about reported violations of due process through fast-tracking and 
mass trials; insists that the judiciary must uphold the rule of law and ensure that its 
independence and the right to a fair trial is respected in all circumstances; denounces all 
arrests made without bringing forward charges;
12. Calls on the Zimbabwean authorities to undertake a prompt, thorough, impartial and 
independent investigation into allegations of human rights violations and abuses, 
including rape and sexual violence by security forces, and to bring those responsible to 
justice; demands that access to medical services should be universally provided to the 
victims of such sexual violence without fear of retribution;
13. Condemns the internet shutdown that allowed the authorities to conceal the human rights 
abuses committed by the army and internal security forces and to obstruct independent 
reporting and documentation of abuses during the crackdown and immediately after the 
election; stresses that access to information is a right that must be respected by the 
authorities in accordance with their constitutional and international obligations;
14. Denounces the abusive use and restrictive nature of POSA, and urges the Zimbabwean 
authorities to align legislation with international standards for the protection and 
promotion of human rights;
15. Expresses particular concern at the economic and social situation in Zimbabwe; recalls 
that the country’s main problems are poverty, unemployment and chronic malnutrition 
and hunger; considers that these problems can only be solved through the implementation 
of ambitious policies on employment, education, health and agriculture;
16. Calls on all political actors to exercise responsibility and restraint, and in particular to 
refrain from inciting violence;
17. Reminds the Government of Zimbabwe that the support of the European Union and its 
Member States in the context of the Cotonou Agreement, and for trade, development, and 
economic assistance, is conditional on its respecting the rule of law and the international 
conventions and treaties to which it is party;
18. Recalls that long-term support hinges on comprehensive reforms rather than mere 
promises; calls for European engagement with Zimbabwe to be value-driven and firm in 
its positioning towards the Zimbabwean authorities;
19. Urges the government to immediately implement the recommendations on post-election 
violence made by the Commission of Inquiry, in particular the promotion of political 
tolerance and accountable leadership, and the setting up of a national dialogue conducted 
in a credible, inclusive, transparent and accountable way;
20. Notes the government’s will to deliver on reform commitments; stresses, however, that 
these reforms should be political as well as economic; encourages the government, the 
opposition, civil society representatives and religious leaders to engage on an equal 
footing in a national dialogue in which human rights are respected and protected;
21. Calls on the government to fully implement the recommendations made by the EU EOM, 
especially with regard to the rule of law and an inclusive political environment; underlines 
the ten priority recommendations identified by the EOM and set out in the letter of 10 
October 2018 from the Chief Observer to President Mnangagwa – namely, in order to 
create a level playing field for all political parties, to ensure a clearer and coherent legal 
framework; to strengthen ZEC by making it truly independent and transparent, thereby 
restoring confidence in the electoral process; to ensure that strengthening ZEC’s 
independence makes it free from governmental oversight in the approval of its 
regulations; and to create a more inclusive electoral process;
22. Calls on the EU delegation and EU Member State embassies in Zimbabwe to continue 
their close monitoring of developments in the country and to use all appropriate tools to 
support human rights defenders, civil society organisations and trade unions, to promote 
the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement and to support pro-democracy 
movements;
23. Calls on the EU to step up its political dialogue with Zimbabwe on human rights on the 
basis of Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement;
24. Calls on the European Council to review its restrictive measures against individuals and 
entities in Zimbabwe, including those measures currently suspended, in the light of 
accountability for recent state violence;
25. Urges the international community, notably the Southern African Development 
Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), to give more active assistance to 
Zimbabwe to find a sustainable democratic solution to the current crisis;
26. Urges neighbouring countries to comply with the provisions of international law and to 
protect those fleeing violence in Zimbabwe with the provision of asylum, especially in the 
short term;
27. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to, the Council, the Commission, the 
Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EEAS, the Government and the Parliament of Zimbabwe, the 
governments of the South African Development Community and the African Union, and 
the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Full Text: EU Parliament Speaks On Zimbabwe Situation

In a response to veteran journalist Mduduzi Mathuthu’s tweet Zimbabweans have suggested names of individuals they want to be added on the European Union (EU) travel ban and asset freeze list.
The EU is set to review sanctions on Zimbabwe after extending them to February 20, 2019. Here are some of the names suggested by Zimbabweans on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MlungisiMthembo/status/1095654041508560897
https://twitter.com/DocLAWO/status/1095697440211156992
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Kirsty Coventry Nick Mangwana Mtuli Ncube Energy Mutodi Jah Prayzah
— Steve 🇿🇼 (@SteveZwitter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveZwitter/status/1095688268451143682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
George Charamba , Terrence Mukupe Priscila Chigumba, ED, Energy Mutodi ,Charity Charamba,Oppah Rushesha ,Mthuli Ncube, Madhuku, Trevor Ncube
— Tom Katimba (@KatimbaTom) <a href="https://twitter.com/KatimbaTom/status/1095677765339238401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
We need to include <a href="https://twitter.com/TembaMliswa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TembaMliswa</a> and the other guy who said he has murdered people he didn't even know.
— William du Plooy (@Williamz902) <a href="https://twitter.com/Williamz902/status/1095668227743592448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
1).Kirsty Coventry 2).Energy Mutodi 3).Nick Mangwana 4).Mthuli Ncube 5).Phillip Sibanda And of course ED,Chiwenga, SB Moyo &amp; Kembo Mohadi
— Tafadzwa Gilbért Káys🇿🇼🇿🇦🇲🇾 (@GilbertKays) <a href="https://twitter.com/GilbertKays/status/1095727852992036865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
All members of Zanu-pf and cabinet.
— Prudence (@pqutie) <a href="https://twitter.com/pqutie/status/1095693438010437633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
The entire zanu pf UK branch
— Alphas Kosamu (@allaicos) <a href="https://twitter.com/allaicos/status/1095710095680434182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
<a href="https://t.co/WEyNXKXxwD">https://t.co/WEyNXKXxwD</a> Mthuli Ncube 2 Kirsty Coventry 3 Ndabaningi Nicky Mangwana 4 Trevor Ncube &amp; 5 Shingi Munyeza
— Benevolence Mudenda (@BenevolenceMude) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenevolenceMude/status/1095685898434424832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Mthuli Ncube Valerio Sibanda Kirsty Coventry Nick Mangwana Energy Ndombolo
— shammar (@chamu1978) <a href="https://twitter.com/chamu1978/status/1095681054357245952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Editor-at-large Nick Charamba Nick Charamba
Honorary mention: Gutu
— Nyasha (@wisdomzw) <a href="https://twitter.com/wisdomzw/status/1095680114971557888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Jah prayzah 😆
— D Mabwe (@zenkobs) <a href="https://twitter.com/zenkobs/status/1095677157463019524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Zimbabweans Want These People Added On EU Sanctions List

The European Union (EU) is set to review sanctions against Zimbabwe.
Last year the EU extended its sanctions on Zimbabwe until 20 February 2019. The EU extended sanctions against Zimbabwe so that the situation in the country given President Emmerson Mnangagwa ascension to power through a military intervention in November 2017 could become clearer.
EU travel restrictions and asset freezes continue to be imposed on 7 people (Robert Mugabe, Grace Mugabe, Happyton Bonyongwe, Augustine Chihuri, Constantine Chiwenga, Perence Shiri and Phillip Sibando) and 1 entity (Zimbabwe Defence Industries). However, those sanctions are currently suspended, except in relation to Robert Mugabe, Grace Mugabe and Zimbabwe Defence Industries.
<hr/>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/06/sanctions-must-be-removed-so-that-zimbabwes-govt-has-no-excuse-for-mishandling-economy-stephen-chan/" rel="bookmark">Sanctions Must Be Removed So That Zimbabwe’s Govt Has No Excuse For Mishandling Economy- Stephen Chan</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/06/uk-to-keep-sanctions-on-zimbabwe-to-add-more-names-on-the-sanctions-list/" rel="bookmark">UK To Keep Sanctions On Zimbabwe, To Add More Names On The Sanctions List</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>

European Union To Review Sanctions On Zimbabwe

The European Union (EU) said is ready to support Zimbabwe if conditions are met.
This was said by EU commissioner for International Co-operation and Development, Mr Neven Mimica, who met President Mnangagwa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the sidelines of the 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly. Mimica said he was given a progress report by Mnangagwa on what his Government has achieved. The two agreed more needs to be done. Said Mimica:
<blockquote>n the margins of the AU Summit, I met with the President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, a few months after my visit to Harare. We took stock of what has been achieved and agreed that more needs to be done. EU (is) ready to step up its support if conditions are met</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/eu-backs-zimbabwes-re-engagement-drive/">Chronicle</a>

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