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Prominent Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has criticised South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for what he calls pushing “tired ZANU PF propaganda” that sanctions imposed by Western powers are responsible for Zimbabwe’s economic collapse that has driven millions to migrate to neighbouring countries and further afield.
Addressing the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, United States of America, on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe have a negative impact on neighbouring countries, including South Africa.
Posting on X, Chin’ono said Zimbabwe is not under a trade embargo as Zimbabwean entities can still export various products without any hindrance.
Former President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s top aide, Petina Gappah, accused Chin’ono of “misleading” people, adding “There is, and has never been, a trade embargo on Zimbabwe.”
In response, Chin’ono said only people who are pushing ZANU PF propaganda will argue that sanctions destroyed Zimbabwe’s economy.
Chin’ono said on the contrary, massive looting of public funds, plunder of the country’s natural resources, grand incompetence, family nepotism and greed are at the centre of Zimbabwe’s economic crisis. Wrote Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
We know that sanctions against individuals in Zimbabwe are not multilateral, and anyone not doing ZANUPF propaganda knows that they are not the reason why Zimbabwe collapsed.
The reason why we mention our ability to do trade is that in rural areas Zimbabweans are lied to that the country can’t trade that is why the economy has collapsed, every Zimbabwean has seen this on TV, and of course it is a LIE!
We also know that there is no trade embargo against Zimbabwe which is why I used that example of blueberries, unlike what ZANUPF says when lying to rural people, hence the deceptive ZANUPF propaganda we always point out.
We also know that Rhodesia was under a proper multilateral sanctions regime with a trade embargo, yet it prospered because there was very minimal corruption.
It is a fact that the national hardware that we use today from hospitals, schools and roads were built during the Rhodesian days, under a proper sanctions regime and trade embargo.
That is why we ask why ZANU-PF blames targeted sanctions for its tragic failures yet it can trade and sell its minerals openly, something that Smith couldn’t do yet he built the country under a proper trade embargo.
No single referral hospital was built in post-colonial Zimbabwe except for Chitungwiza which was a Rhodesian provincial hospital and was only upgraded to a referral hospital in the 1980s.
Anyone honest knows that Zimbabwe has collapsed not because of targeted sanctions, but because of the massive looting of public funds, plunder of the country’s natural resources, grand incompetence, family nepotism and greed.
The suffering of Zimbabweans today that President Cyril Ramaphosa talked about includes the Zimbabwean women who are crossing into South Africa to give birth to Musina because the biggest hospital in Zimbabwe ONLY has one maternity theatre built by Ian Smith in 1977.
This influx of Zimbabweans into South Africa has caused tensions between South African locals and their government, which is why Ramaphosa talks about the Zimbabwean problem and points to sanctions as the driver, which is false!
Any honest reader of the Zimbabwean situation knows that it is not caused by sanctions but corruption, a lot of it!
The world knows that 2 500 Zimbabwean women die giving birth in Zimbabwe because there are no maternity theatres.
The world also knows that 70% of women who give birth at Musina Hospital in South Africa are Zimbabwean, hence President Ramaphosa’s call that his country is affected and its public services are under pressure.
Now here is the crux of the matter which I must address as a respected journalist should do, we all know that it only costs US$37,000 to build a maternity theatre.
We all know that the Zimbabwean Government lands a Landcruiser at US$400,000, although it is much cheaper than that. 3/4 of that money is looted from that 400k bill per each Landcruiser.
We also know that the Zimbabwean Government has thousands of these Landcruisers for its ZANUPF political elites.
Ministers get three cars each every cycle, chiefs get brand new cars ahead of hospitals, government bureaucrats get these Landcruisers every 2 to 3 years and keep the “old” ones.
We also know that just ONE Landcruiser would build 11 maternity theatres.
Based on these proven material facts, it is a blatant big fat LIE that Zimbabweans (particularly women running to SA) are doing so on account of targeted sanctions.
That is why I always ask how can a country that can trade fails to build a maternity theatre.
The unilateral sanctions don’t and can’t stop that!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Looting, Plunder, Incompetence, Family Nepotism And Greed Caused Zim's Economic Collapse, NOT Sanctions - Chin'ono

The hopes of a new chapter in Zimbabwe following the ouster of the late former president Robert Mugabe in 2017 have not been realised, <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/as-zimbabwes-elections-approach-u-s-sanctions-take-center-stage/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> reports. Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mugabe’s successor, promised sweeping political, economic and social reforms but instead, his regime has become increasingly repressive, curtailing dissent and cracking down on political opponents, according to observers.
As Zimbabwe heads for its August 23 general election, activists and others say Mnangagwa’s regime is increasingly cracking down on critics. They say repression has continued in the face of targeted U.S. sanctions against senior members of the regime, sparking a debate over their effectiveness. U.S. president Joe Biden said in a March message to the U.S. Congress:
<blockquote>
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has not made the necessary political and economic reforms that would warrant terminating the existing targeted sanctions program. Throughout last year, government security services routinely intimidated and violently repressed citizens, including members of opposition political parties, union members and journalists.
</blockquote>
Civil society groups and the opposition are doubtful the election will be free and fair. Several opposition activists, journalists and human rights activists have been arrested over the last year, including Job Sikhala, a Parliament member and senior official with the CCC.
Meanwhile, the ZANU-PF-dominated Parliament passed two bills aimed at restricting dissenting voices and nongovernmental organisations perceived to be anti-government. The Patriotic Bill imposes penalties on citizens for meeting foreigners to discuss sanctions or foreign intervention in Zimbabwe. Government corruption remains a problem in Zimbabwe, with the country ranking 157 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.
The current sanctions are holdovers from the reign of Mugabe, who came to power in 1980. In 2003, after a disputed presidential election in Zimbabwe, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions against Zimbabwean “individuals and entities in connection with undermining democracy, human rights abuses and public corruption” during and after the land reform programme. The U.S. argues that Zimbabwe’s economy collapsed due to poor governance, corruption and economic mismanagement, not sanctions. While some argue the sanctions are helping to keep officials in check, reducing human rights violations and corruption, others are concerned Mnangagwa has used them as a convenient scapegoat for the country’s persistent economic woes.
While the removal of former President Robert Mugabe was one of the outcomes of <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Operation Restore Legacy</a>, it was not the stated objective of the operation. The operation was primarily aimed at addressing issues such as political and <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">economic instability</a>, corruption, and factionalism within the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">ruling party</a>, ZANU-PF, in order to restore the ethos and values of the liberation struggle. The military and its supporters viewed Mugabe and some of his close associates as hindrances to this goal and believed that their removal from power was necessary to achieve it.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Govt Critics Say Zimbabwe's Post-Mugabe Hopes Unfulfilled After His Ouster In 2017

The United States of America says it will not participate in any financing options for Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt restructuring process through the African Development Bank (AfDB) or otherwise as long as the sanctions it imposed on the country are still in place.
The US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe under the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA).
<ul>
<li class="text-4xl border-b-2 border-[#e8e9ea] tracking-tight pb-4 font-bold pt-4"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/26/zimbabwes-debt-crisis-here-are-the-lenders-and-how-much-they-are-owed/">Zimbabwe’s Debt Crisis: Here Are The Lenders And How Much They Are Owed</a></li>
</ul>
Speaking during a Roundtable meeting on Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution process dialogue convened on the sidelines of the AfDB annual general meetings on Wednesday in Egypt, US Assistant Secretary of Treasury, Eric Meyer said they will not support Zimbabwe as long as ZDERA is still in force. Said Meyer:
<blockquote>
I know President (Dr) Adesina mentioned ZDERA in the United States. That Act does bind us in opposing lending (to Zimbabwe) from international financial institutions and until definitely certain criteria under ZDERA are made.
I want to touch on what really some of those criteria are. They are related to the rule of law, free and fair elections, pre-elections insisting on international standards, land reform and related civilian authority over the military and the police.
I think you notice that there is a lot of commonality between the working groups and strategic dialogue that President Chissano outlined this evening and that is what my Government is bound to meet and that is what we are monitoring and looking at.
Until these conditions are met we are not able to participate in financing options for Zimbabwe through the African Development Bank or otherwise.
We are participating in this (Wednesday) strategic dialogue and we are doing this because of the importance of these reforms that extend beyond everything.
These reforms if successfully executed will create the conditions for social and economic growth in Zimbabwe.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Your Excellence President Adesina and President Chissano for your important remarks today (Wednesday) outlining the challenges in the process that has been undertaken here.
I have been thinking about speaking and I realised there is always a risk of the United States supporting this or the United States does not support this.
That is not what we are going to do. What we are going to do is welcome the opportunity to participate in this strategic dialogue.
This is a process that presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to work with its partners on reforms and measure progress along the way. That’s really important.
For Zimbabwe to reach its ultimate goal of debt resolution the discussions in the dialogue must be supported by actions as has been discussed earlier today.
It’s imperative for Zimbabwe to demonstrate credible progress in implementing governance, economic and land reforms.
Not just reaching agreements with partners but not implementing those agreements.
Building trust and progress takes time and it’s important for Zimbabwe to stay on course through that process.
</blockquote>
Akinwumi Adesina, who is the African Development Bank President, was appointed as leader of Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt process by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2022.
Former Mozambique president, Joachim Chissano, was appointed the facilitator between the Zimbabwean government as a debtor, bilateral credit partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
The US enacted ZDERA in 2001 in response to Zimbabwe’s “fast-track land reform” programme.
The US put the Zimbabwean government on a credit freeze through ZDERA (specifically Section 4C titled Multilateral Financing Restriction).
ZDERA forbids US citizens who have senior positions in many multi-lateral institutions from voting for Zimbabwe’s support in areas they have influence.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

United States Declines To Support Funding Zimbabwe's Arrears Clearance, Debt Restructuring

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday said Western-imposed sanctions are actually good for Zimbabwe as they have almost turned the country into an attraction for foreign exhibitors.
Mnangagwa made the remarks while addressing journalists soon after touring stands at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
He was being accompanied by visiting Eswatini King Mswati III who officially opened the fair. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mnangagwa-says-western-imposed-sanctions-are-good/">Mnangagwa said</a>:
<blockquote>
People get excited by sanctions; that is why they come here to see what happens under sanctions.
In fact, you see that sanctions are very good. Numbers are increasing, increasing, and increasing.
The Americans are here, the British are here, and the European Union is here, what else would we want?
Everybody is here, so this re-engagement and engagement are bearing fruits.
You see, perhaps they (international exhibitors) heard that His Majesty (King Mswati) is coming.
That’s why they are here. In fact, if that is the reason next year he is going to come again.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been subject to various sanctions by Western countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, for alleged human rights abuses, political instability, and economic mismanagement.
In 2001, the United States enacted the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA).
ZDERA imposed targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe, including travel bans and asset freezes on senior Government officials, and also restricts US support for international financial institutions providing assistance to Zimbabwe.
Sanctions have contributed to Zimbabwe’s economic decline by restricting access to foreign investment, credit lines, and trade partners.
Sanctions are, however, not the only factor contributing to Zimbabwe’s challenges.
Other factors, such as corruption, mismanagement, and political instability have also contributed to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic problems.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Says Sanctions "Are Good" For Zimbabwe

Eswatini monarch King Mswati III, who is on a State visit to the country, has called for the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed by the West on Zimbabwe saying they are hurting the whole of Africa.
Mtswati is expected to officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo this Friday.
Speaking after a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Thursday, Mswati said:
<blockquote>
I have been very much impressed to see how much work has been done and we are aware that Zimbabwe is still going through some difficulties as a result of the sanctions which were imposed on this country which we hope, all of us not only the Kingdom of eSwatini but Africa as a whole is looking forward to the day these sanctions will be lifted because these sanctions are not only hurting the people of Zimbabwe but the whole of Africa.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been subject to various sanctions by Western countries for alleged human rights abuses, political instability, and economic mismanagement.
In 2001, the United States enacted the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA).
ZDERA imposed targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe, including travel bans and asset freezes on senior Government officials, and also restricts US support for international financial institutions providing assistance to Zimbabwe.
Sanctions have contributed to Zimbabwe’s economic decline by restricting access to foreign investment, credit lines, and trade partners.
Sanctions are, however, not the only factor contributing to Zimbabwe’s challenges.
Other factors, such as corruption, mismanagement, and political instability have also contributed to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic problems.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

King Mswati III Calls For Unconditional Removal Of Sanctions

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor John Mangudya has said Zimbabwe remains under economic sanctions that have hampered the movement of funds and trade in the past two decades.
On Monday Mangudya said there are no sanctions on Zimbabwean imports and exports, including on gold, and this was interpreted by some commentators as an admission by the central bank governor that the country is not under sanctions.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mangudya-clears-air-on-economic-sanctions/">The Herald</a> on Tuesday, Mangudya said sanctions in the form of the Zimbabwe Democracy Recovery Act (ZDERA) remain. He said:
<blockquote>
Sanctions on Zimbabwe are through ZDERA and augmented by OFAC through placing entities on the designated list of sanctions.
What this means is that whilst these sanctions are not directly on trade per se they negatively affect the movement of funds within the international banking system.
The Zimbabwean banking sector has lost a substantial number of corresponding banking relationships over the past 20 years, through de-risking, because of the OFAC sanctions.
OFAC sanctions also affect the smooth flow of funds across borders as financial institutions are obligated to comply with OFAC sanctions.
ZDERA on the other hand is designed to put a credit freeze on official financial flows to Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
ZDERA was passed by the United States government in 2001 in response to what was described as the “fast-track land reform” in Zimbabwe.
In 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Harare said ZDERA calls for the Government of Zimbabwe to restore rule of law, hold free and fair elections, commit to equitable and transparent land reform, and subordinate military and national police to civilian government.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

I Did Not Say There Are No Sanctions On Zimbabwe - Mangudya

The European Union (EU) has extended sanctions on Zimbabwe by one year as it pushes Harare to implement democratic reforms and uphold human rights.
In <a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/02/28/zimbabwe-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union/">a statement</a> issued on 28 February 2023, the EU said the “restrictive measures” are in the form of an “arms embargo and targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries”.
Pindula News presents the statement below:
<blockquote>
<h2>Zimbabwe: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union</h2>
The European Union (EU) reiterates its ambition to continue developing a more constructive relationship with Zimbabwe.
The EU welcomes the intention of Zimbabwe’s President to extend an invitation to the EU to deploy an Electoral Observation Mission for the 2023 Elections once constitutional processes have been finalised. 
The EU follows closely the process leading up to the elections, which are of great importance to the trajectory of the country. 
The EU encourages all electoral stakeholders, state and non-state alike, to play their role in ensuring the organisation of a credible and peaceful electoral process. 
The EU Election Observation Mission of 2018 provided a set of recommendations and encourages actors to continue improving the electoral framework to allow for credible, inclusive and transparent elections.
The EU welcomes the recent launch of the dialogue platform related to arrears clearance and debt resolution process and looks forward to tangible progress in this process. 
Furthermore, the EU welcomes Zimbabwe’s engagement on the Universal Periodic Review process, the alignment of legislation with the 2013 Constitution, the enactment of the Independent Complaints Commission Act, the new Marriages Act and the High-Level Political Compact on gender-based violence. Other developments are of concern from a democratic and civic space perspective. 
These include the Data Protection Act and, if enacted, bills such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged “patriotic provisions” in the Criminal Law Amendment Bill. 
The EU also maintains its concerns that the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry have not been followed substantially and the perpetrators of violations which occurred in August 2018 and January 2019 are to date still enjoying impunity from prosecution. 
It is important that international human rights obligations are adhered to and the constitutional rights of the people of Zimbabwe respected.
In view of all the above, in its 2023 revision of the restrictive measures, the EU has decided to extend by one year the two measures in place (i.e.: the arms embargo and targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries). 
Since February 2022 there are no listed individuals. The EU will continue to closely follow developments, with a particular attention to the human rights situation and recalls its readiness to adapt the whole range of its policies accordingly.
The remaining restrictive measures in place do not affect the people of Zimbabwe, its economy, foreign direct investments, or trade. 
Zimbabwe continues to benefit from duty free and quota free access of its exports to the EU, while negotiations are ongoing to deepen the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Economic Partnership Agreement. 
There is significant potential in terms of investments and job opportunities, provided that the Government promote political and economic reforms, facilitate a conducive and more predictable business environment, tackle corruption and foster respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Together with EU members states the EU will continue to support Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 in particular on (i) Gender equality and women empowerment and (ii) Greener and climate smart agriculture, with over €400 million until 2025. 
The EU commits itself to enhancing common efforts on addressing climate change on the basis of the Zimbabwean and EU commitments at COP27. The EU will continue to support the Zimbabwean people with humanitarian assistance, when needed.
The EU looks forward to a more comprehensive and constructive article 8 political dialogue in Harare, including on international issues, and more opportunities for high-level meetings. 
A positive example was the recent mission to Harare from the EU Special Representative for Human Rights.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

FULL TEXT: European Union Statement On Extension Of Sanctions On Zimbabwe

The European Union (EU) on Tuesday, 28 February 2023, extended its sanctions on Zimbabwe by a year.
The EU said it will continue to closely follow developments in the country with particular attention to the human rights situation.
<a href="https://insiderzim.com/european-union-extends-sanctions-on-zimbabwe-by-a-year/">The Insider</a> reported that EU sanctions on Zimbabwe are an arms embargo and assets freeze against the Zimbabwe Defence Industries. A statement released by the EU reads in part:
<blockquote>
The remaining restrictive measures in place do not affect the people of Zimbabwe, its economy, foreign direct investments, or trade.
Zimbabwe continues to benefit from duty-free and quota-free access to its exports to the EU, while negotiations are ongoing to deepen the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Economic Partnership Agreement.
There is significant potential in terms of investments and job opportunities, provided that the government promote political and economic reforms, facilitate a conducive and more predictable business environment, tackle corruption and foster respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Together with EU member states the EU will continue to support Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 in particular on (i) Gender equality and women empowerment and (ii) Greener and climate-smart agriculture, with over €400 million until 2025.
</blockquote>
The EU expressed reservations over the Data Protection Act, the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged “patriotic provisions” in the Criminal Law Amendment Bill.
The EU also expressed concern over the Zimbabwean government’s failure to implement the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry and bring to account the perpetrators of violations that occurred in January 2019.
More <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

European Union Extends Sanctions On Zimbabwe

The United States of America has extended the sanctions that it imposed on Zimbabwe in 2003.
In <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/03/01/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-zimbabwe-3/">a statement</a> released by the White this Wednesday, 01 March 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden said the restrictive measures initially promulgated through Executive Order 13288 shall continue in effect beyond March 6, 2023. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Zimbabwe</h2>
On March 6, 2003, by Executive Order 13288, the President declared a national emergency and blocked the property of certain persons, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706), to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes or institutions.
These actions and policies had contributed to the deliberate breakdown in the rule of law in Zimbabwe, to politically motivated violence and intimidation in that country, and to political and economic instability in the southern African region.
On November 22, 2005, the President issued Executive Order 13391 to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288 by ordering the blocking of property of additional persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe.
On July 25, 2008, the President issued Executive Order 13469, which expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288 and authorized the blocking of property of additional persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe.
The actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes or institutions continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States.
For this reason, the national emergency declared on March 6, 2003, and the measures adopted on that date, on November 22, 2005, and on July 25, 2008, to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond March 6, 2023.
Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.
</blockquote>
More <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

United States President Joe Biden Extends Sanctions On Zimbabwe

The ZANU PF women’s affairs provincial chairperson for Midlands Tsitsi Zhou says President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s family is the most persecuted in the country by western countries.
Zhou made the remarks following the recent sanctioning of Mnangagwa’s son Emmerson Mnangagwa Jnr.
On 12 December 2022, the United States of America Treasury Department sanctioned Emmerson Jnr for his alleged involvement with controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his company Sakunda Holdings.
Addressing a ZANU PF women’s league rally in Kwekwe recently, Zhou said Emmerson was being punished for working for the party. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
The President’s family is the most persecuted in the country. They (western countries) are working hard to derail his programme.
They have sanctioned Emmerson Jnr because he decided to work for ZANU PF in Midlands.
They are now punishing him because he decided to work for the party, remember he was recently co-opted in the province.
As a party, we stand by the President and His family. And we are going to vote for him.
They are the ones who have united ZANU PF and shown that he can take us to Canaan.
</blockquote>
Zhou recently said the national Constitution should be amended to remove the two-term presidential limit to allow Mnangagwa to run for a third term. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mnangagwa-family-the-most-persecuted-says-zanu-pf-womens-league-chair-after-emmerson-jnr-sanctioned/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

"Mnangagwa Family The Most Persecuted"

The newly-elected secretary-general of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), Fikile Mbalula, has said they will intensify assisting Zimbabwe to recover from decades of economic problems.
Addressing journalists in Joburg in his briefing in his new capacity as ANC secretary-general, Mbalula said:
<blockquote>
We must be very much concerned about what is happening in Zimbabwe, and what role we need to play. We do not subscribe to the idea of regime change in Zimbabwe.
We need to campaign very hard to get things right because Zimbabweans are coming to our country in their numbers.
Something is not right in their own country (and) we must support them. Once that country becomes what it was, there will be no Zimbabwean here.
So, the British must think very hard about what they have done, and the Americans. They must uplift the sanctions so that Zimbabwe can grow.
</blockquote>
Mbalula urged the British government to honour a promise it reportedly made to Zimbabwe to compensate white farmers whose land was expropriated for redistribution to landless black about two decades ago. He said:
<blockquote>
The British know what they agreed on in Lancaster. They must come to the party, and invest in the compensation of Zimbabwe in the programme of land redistribution. 
The 40 or something billion pounds they promised Mugabe and ZANU PF, they must come to the party and not use the land reform programme of ZANU PF as a scapegoat and run away.
They must come to the party, and Zimbabwe will be a better country. Zimbabweans never (used to) come into this country, which was the bread basket of the African continent. It was an economy that was alive, people were working in Zimbabwe.
Now you have Zimbabweans crossing (into South Africa), facing life and death … coming into our country because there is no life. Life is here in South Africa and that has burdened our economy.
As the ANC we will not agree in ideological terms, that Zimbabwe must be turned into a client State, next to us. So, we need to get that right.
We need to campaign for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, and the Cuban people.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/anc-does-not-support-idea-of-regime-change-in-zimbabwe-says-fikile-mbalula-214cac6f-3546-4071-a556-123cd94298d7">IOL</a>

Newly-elected ANC Secretary-general Speaks On Relations With ZANU PF

ZANU PF Director of Information, Tafadzwa Mugwadi has described the United States of America as a “demented superpower” after it recently imposed sanctions on four Zimbabwean nationals.
On Monday, the US Treasury Department added President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Emmerson Mnangagwa Jnr, Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s wife Sandra Mpunga, Nqobile Magwizi, and Obey Chimuka to the sanctions list.
Two companies controlled by Chimuka, Fossil Agro and Fossil Contracting, were also sanctioned by the U.S. for their alleged involvement with Sakunda, which is owned by Tagwirei.
Mpunga is the executive director of Sakunda and Magwizi is the chief marketing officer, according to a statement by the U.S. Treasury.
Posting on Twitter in response to the development, Mugwadi said the United States of America has gone rogue. He wrote:
<blockquote>
What the @ US Dept of State has done is an act of cowardice &amp; undoubtedly barbaric conduct that falls below the diplomatic bar.
It clearly reflects a demented superpower that has gone rogue, now aiming at non-assuming global citizens like Emmerson Jnr, a Chimuka &amp; an unknown housewife.
Anyway, needless to remind them that President Mnangagwa has reminded us that with or without sanctions, nyika inovaka navene vayo (a country is built by its owners).
</blockquote>
The designation of the four Zimbabweans and two Zimbabwean companies was announced one day before U.S. President Joe Biden hosted nearly 50 Heads of State from the African continent for the US-Africa Leaders summit.

ZANU PF Official Says United States A "Demented Superpower" After Mnangagwa's Son Is Sanctioned

Economic commentators have reacted following the addition of four Zimbabwean nationals and two Zimbabwean companies to the United States sanctions list.
The four individuals are <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa_Junior">Emmerson Mnangagwa, Jr</a>., Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s wife, Sandra Mpunga, Nqobile Magwizi, and Obey Chimuka, along with the two companies, Fossil Agro and Fossil Contracting. 
In a statement, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said it designated the four individuals and two companies for corruption and human rights abuses.
Speaking to VOA News, Gift Mugano, an economics professor at the Durban University of Technology, said the sanctions are making it difficult for Zimbabwe to attract investors and get capital for essential projects such as power plants.
He, however, said corruption and wrong priorities are also negatively impacting the country’s economy. Mugano said:
<blockquote>
When you are under sanctions, you must be more careful and prudent when using your resources.
The case in point is the 35 million US dollars which is being given to members of parliament and ministers, the package which they have been given.
But we do not have basics in the hospitals. Thirty-five million dollars for Zimbabwe can be a game changer.
</blockquote>
Gibson Nyikadzino, an independent analyst, told VOA News that the U.S. sanctions are hurting Zimbabwe’s economy. Said Nyikadzino:
<blockquote>
Because there is a failure to access foreign capital, and capital markets, there is a failure even to import critical equipment.
So, the whole idea of sanctions is to ensure that the economy of Zimbabwe screams and that is the first essence of why the West imposed sanctions, and even to today, the economy is being hurt.
</blockquote>
However, the United States, Britain and European Union officials have long rejected claims by Zimbabwe that sanctions are making Zimbabweans suffer.
The architects of the sanctions insist that sanctions target individuals and certain companies rather than state institutions.
Piers Pigou, a senior consultant for southern African human rights watchdog, International Crisis Group, said:
<blockquote>
There is no doubt that the sanctions have an impact on aspects of the economy. In some instances directly as it relates to individual entities and individuals that are on the list.
What is difficult is to calculate the extent of that impact. Particularly in a context where there are multiple other factors relating to delinquencies and governance.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/zimbabwe-reacts-after-us-adds-president-s-son-to-sanctions-list-/6874565.html">VOA News</a>

"There Is No Doubt Sanctions Are Hurting Zimbabweans"

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, said he was not surprised by the United States government’s move to add four Zimbabwean nationals and two Zimbabwean companies to the sanctions list.
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said it added four Zimbabweans to the sanctions list, among them Mnangagwa’s son Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr. and two companies, Fossil Agro and Fossil Contracting.
The U.S. said the two companies were involved in opaque, multimillion-dollar deals with Zimbabwe’s government.
Charamba, who is Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), said he was not surprised by the latest U.S. designations, saying the move is aimed at crippling Zimbabwe’s economy. He said:
<blockquote>
The intention was never to attack individuals, who do not matter anyway in terms of interstate relations.
The intention has always been to cripple the Zimbabwean economy and it’s not fortuitous that they have picked on suppliers of key inputs to a critical sector of our economy, namely agriculture. 
They did it before and I can assure you they will do it in future.
</blockquote>
Charamba said the U.S. is pushing for a “compliant” Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe insists on “an independent national policy which is not influenced by foreigners.”
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/zimbabwe-reacts-after-us-adds-president-s-son-to-sanctions-list-/6874565.html">the U.S. also removed 17 Zimbabweans from the sanctions list</a>, among them, former Finance ministers Ignatius Chombo and Herbert Murerwa. | <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/zimbabwe-reacts-after-us-adds-president-s-son-to-sanctions-list-/6874565.html">VOA News</a>

Charamba Reacts After US Adds President Mnangagwa's Son To Sanctions List

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said his administration will continue to invest in the health sector to provide quality and affordable healthcare to all citizens as well as to be ready for the next pandemic after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Speaking to journalists in an interview on the sidelines of the just-ended African Union Extraordinary Heads of States and Governments on Industrialisation and Economic Transformation in Niamey, Niger, Mnangagwa said sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the country’s detractors about two decades ago have negatively impacted Zimbabwe’s health sector. He said:
<blockquote>
The health sector back home has suffered particularly as a result of sanctions, we have had two decades of sanctions and our health coverage had gone down.
Now the attack, which came to Zimbabwe and the rest of the world through COVID-19 has given us the awakening bell to say ‘please wake up, you will never know when the next pandemic is coming, prepare yourself’.
So, we are now focusing on making sure that our health sector is attended to. If you look at the budget, we have upped drastically our investment in the health sector because we feel when COVID-19 came about, Zimbabwe was isolated.
We never received any significant amounts from outside, we had to depend on our own domestic resources, we diverted funds from other projects to make sure we protected our people and at the end of the day, Zimbabwe did actually very well in the region and perhaps in the whole continent in terms of mitigating the impact of COVID-19. We’re not going to stop at that.
We’re not going to stop there; we are making sure that we are going to do anything possible to prepare for any pandemic that may come. But also, it’s good to have our people have the best health service system.
</blockquote>
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube allocated 11 percent of the $4.5 trillion 2023 national budget to the health sector.
However, local health experts say the$473.8 billion budget allocation towards the provision of health care services is inadequate. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/health-sector-a-priority-president/">The Sunday News</a>

Sanctions Negatively Impacted Zimbabwe's Health Sector - Mnangagwa

Amendments to the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which were approved by Cabinet last Tuesday are set to introduce tough penalties for citizens found guilty of harming the country’s national interests.
Citizens who would invite a military attack on Zimbabwe from a hostile foreign government through private correspondence will face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Those who campaign for economic sanctions and trade restrictions would be liable to imprisonment for a period of up to five years.
According to the proposed new law, citizens who actively encourage sanctions on Zimbabwe would be barred from voting, registering as voters, and holding public office for up to 15 years. Reads the Bill’s memorandum:
<blockquote>
Our Constitutional order of Zimbabwe that is based on parliamentary democracy affords many avenues for aggrieved citizens to redress their wrongs, including against the State.
It is therefore improper for citizens and residents of Zimbabwe to implement measures that undermine our sovereignty, dignity and independence as a nation. This (new) clause will criminalise such conduct.
</blockquote>
According to the Bill, any citizen or permanent resident of Zimbabwe who actively participates in meetings whose object involves imposing sanctions or trade embargo against Zimbabwe shall be guilty of wilfully damaging the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe. It reads:
<blockquote>
Upon conviction, the courts can impose a fine not exceeding level 10 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or both; additionally or alternatively on the motion of the prosecutor, to any one or more of the following, if the offence is attended by aggravating circumstances — termination of the citizenship of the convicted person, if the convicted person is a citizen by registration or a dual citizen: Provided that the convicting court shall not impose this penalty if it would effectively render the convicted person stateless; cancellation of the permanent resident status of the convicted person, if the convicted person is a permanent resident; or prohibition from being registered as a voter or voting at an election for a period of at least five years but not exceeding fifteen years.
</blockquote>
The Bill also says those convicted of actively encouraging sanctions will be prohibited:
<blockquote>
… from filling a public office for a period of at least five years but not exceeding fifteen (15) years, and, if he or she holds any such office, the convicting court may declare that that office shall be vacated by the convicted person from the date of his or her conviction, unless the tenure of the public office in question is regulated exclusively by or in terms of the Constitution.
</blockquote>
If the amendments are passed into law, Zimbabwean citizens who call for military or other armed intervention in Zimbabwe by a foreign government will face the death penalty. It reads:
<blockquote>
Any citizen or permanent resident of Zimbabwe who, within or outside Zimbabwe, actively partakes (whether himself or herself or through an agent, and whether on his or her own initiative or at the invitation of the foreign government concerned or any of its agents, proxies or entities) in any meeting whose object the accused knows or has reasonable grounds for believing involves the consideration of or the planning for – military or other armed intervention in Zimbabwe by the foreign government concerned or another foreign government, or by any of their agents, proxies or entities; or subverting, upsetting, overthrowing or overturning constitutional government in Zimbabwe; shall be guilty of wilfully damaging the national interest of Zimbabwe and liable to — the same penalties as for treason; or the same penalties as for subverting constitutional government, in a case referred to in paragraph (b).
</blockquote>
ZANU PF director for information and publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi, welcomed the Bill, saying “national interests are sacrosanct to all Zimbabweans, notwithstanding their differences, political or otherwise.” | <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/jail-no-voting-rights-for-the-unpatriotic">The Sunday Mail</a>

Death Penalty, No Voting Rights For "Traitors"

The UK government on Friday reiterated its stance that it had no sanctions on Zimbabwe but on five individuals responsible for egregious human rights violations and corruption.
Responding to a question from Navendu Mishra who wanted to know what the impact of UK sanctions had on Zimbabwe’s healthcare and energy security, the UK Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Andrew Mitchell, said:
<blockquote>
The UK does not have economic sanctions on Zimbabwe. The UK has targeted sanctions on five Zimbabwean individuals to hold them to account for serious human rights violations and corruption.
These sanctions do not target, and specifically seek to avoid impact on, the wider economy and the people of Zimbabwe.
Therefore we assess that UK sanctions do not impact the healthcare sector or energy security in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
The four individuals on the UK sanctions list on Zimbabwe are:
<ul>
<li>Intelligence boss Isaac Moyo</li>
<li>Police chief Godwin Matanga</li>
<li>Former security minister Owen Ncube, and</li>
<li>Zimbabwe ambassador to Tanzania Anselem Sanyatwe.</li>
</ul>
There is only one Zimbabwean institution on the UK sanctions list, and that is the Zimbabwe Defence Industries. | <a href="https://insiderzim.com/britain-reiterates-it-has-no-sanctions-on-zimbabwe/">The Insider</a>

Britain Reiterates It Has No Sanctions On Zimbabwe

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has implored the British monarch and government to facilitate Zimbabwe’s re-admission to the Commonwealth and remove sanctions imposed on the country.
Ramaphosa was in the United Kingdom recently where he met King Charles III and the newly elected Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The South African leader said it was important for Zimbabwe to be readmitted to the Commonwealth, a political association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire. Said Ramaphosa:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe issue inevitably always comes out in meetings like these because we are talking here with the country that is like the head of the Commonwealth and we advocate for Zimbabwe to be readmitted to the Commonwealth; it is important.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth under then leader, the late Robert Mugabe in 2003, after it had been suspended from the group over alleged human rights violations.
Since the 2017 military coup that ended Mugabe’s 37-year reign, Zimbabwe has been seeking to rejoin the association.
Recently, a Commonwealth delegation headed by Luis Franceschi was in Harare to assess progress made by the country in readying itself to rejoin the grouping.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa also reiterated his call for Britain to lift the sanctions it imposed on Zimbabwe saying they are also hurting South Africa. He said:
<blockquote>
The sanctions that have been imposed on Zimbabwe have a collateral impact, a negative impact on us as South Africa because the Zimbabwean economy is weakened.
Zimbabweans flow to our own country and exacerbate the challenges that we have regards to unemployment and health services.
</blockquote>
Reports suggest that millions of Zimbabweans have migrated to South Africa over the past two decades seeking better economic conditions. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zim-sanctions-hurting-south-africa-says-ramphosa-urges-britain-to-lift-embargo-and-allow-commonwealth-return/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Ramaphosa Urges Britain To Lift Zim Sanctions And Allow Commonwealth Return

The United States embassy in Harare has said the launch of Zimbabwe’s first satellite from a NASA facility on American soil proves that the sanctions imposed by the U.S. do not limit Zimbabwe’s economic development.
The satellite, ZimSat-1, was launched into orbit from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Monday.
It was launched under the Japanese-sponsored Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Project-5 (BIRDS-5) network.
In an e-mailed response to questions from <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/11/zimbabwe-satellite-launch-on-us-soil-undermines-sanctions-rhetoric-embassy/">ZimLive</a>, the United States said facilitating the launch of the satellite is clear evidence that targeted sanctions imposed on individual politicians and security chiefs do not affect Zimbabwe’s economy. It said:
<blockquote>
The United States government supports bilateral trade and investment opportunities that benefit U.S. and Zimbabwean companies alike and promote shared economic growth.
The satellite launch is a great example of international cooperation and innovation. 
U.S. sanctions target 73 individuals and 37 entities who cannot use the U.S. financial system.
They are not designed to limit Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
</blockquote>
The ZANU PF-led government blames western countries for the country’s economic challenges but the west, especially the United States, argues that Zimbabwe’s economic problems are caused by corruption and a breakdown in the rule of law.

Zimbabwe Satellite Launch On American Soil Proves Sanctions Claims Are False - U.S. Embassy

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that Zimbabwe’s efforts to alleviate the effects of climate change are being hindered by sanctions imposed on the country by western countries as he demanded the immediate removal of the restrictions.
Speaking on the second day of the Sharm El Sheikh Implementation Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe has embarked on extensive dam construction and the harnessing of renewable energy sources. He said:
<blockquote>
My Government is implementing various programmes, including extensive dam construction projects towards climate change adaptation and mitigation for sustainable food and nutrition security.
Further, Zimbabwe is expanding the production and use of renewable energy.
Greater progress would have been made on our climate goals were it not for the albatross of illegal economic sanctions imposed on our country.
We demand the immediate lifting of these unwarranted and punitive sanctions.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 44.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2030. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/illegal-sanctions-derail-climate-change-mitigation-efforts-ed/">Chronicle</a>

Sanctions Hinder Climate Change Mitigation Efforts - Mnangagwa

Former MDC MP for Masvingo Urban, Tongai Matutu, has distanced himself from a Twitter account that bears his name that listed the names of opposition figures who allegedly called for sanctions against Zimbabwe.
In an exclusive interview with <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/matutu-distances-self-from-sanctions-list/">The Mirror,</a> Matutu said he did not write the list and that he has no evidence that his former colleagues in the opposition hate their country. He said:
<blockquote>
I crossed the floor to ZANU PF but I have no bad blood with those in the opposition. I have no reason to paint them as villains who hate their country if I don’t have any evidence against them. I don’t know the naughty author of that list.
I have no reason to bootlick ZANU PF. I have not benefited from anything that can push me to lie. I am my own man that’s why I crossed the floor alone.
If you check my lifestyle, would you conclude that I have been given a million dollars? That’s just hogwash. I have never been to America in my entire life.
If you check the document properly that is not a signature. This is not the first time that I have met such mischief. The last time my name was used in the Chief Serima saga but I decided to keep quiet.
What I know is that there is a ghost account using my name to cause confusion both in the opposition and the country at large.
</blockquote>
Matutu was appointed the Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Deputy Minister during the Government of National Unity (GNU) by the then Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
He left the MDC and joined ZANU PF in 2020 after claiming that the opposition had lost direction.
Charles Musimiki, who also defected to ZANU PF last year and is on the list of those who allegedly campaigned for sanctions against Zimbabwe, told The Mirror that the furthest he went outside Zimbabwe was to Pretoria.
The minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi said he doesn’t know about the open letter that was allegedly written to him by Matutu. He said:
<blockquote>
I don’t even know the letter that you are talking about. An open letter is not delivered so I didn’t see it because I am not on Twitter.
</blockquote>

Tongai Matutu Distances Self From Sanctions List, "Ghost" Twitter Account

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that Zimbabwean economic refugees escaping poverty at home caused by sanctions imposed on Harare by western countries are putting pressure on regional countries such as South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.
Ramaphosa said this while responding to a question on the challenges of migration during a joint media conference with visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. He said:
<blockquote>
The one issue we have often raised, which is another dynamic to this situation (of migration) is that of sanctions that have been applied, especially on our continent.
Sanctions applied, for example, on Zimbabwe are having a negative impact not only on Zimbabwe’s economy but also on a number of countries in SADC (Southern African Development Community).
They are also having a negative impact on us (South Africa) because as the sanctions weaken Zimbabwe’s economy, Zimbabweans are forced to migrate and come to our own country and other countries in the sub-region.
They flock to Botswana, they flock to South Africa, to Namibia and they exert enormous pressure on us.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa appealed to western countries to remove the sanctions to enable Zimbabwe’s economy to rebound so that it provides economic opportunities for its people. He said:
<blockquote>
So we are saying those sanctions should be lifted and we should be able to bolster the economies of these countries so that people can have less of an incentive to leave their countries to go to other countries because their economies would be glowing.
Once again, we call on the various countries that have applied sanctions on African countries, particularly Zimbabwe, to lift those sanctions so that the economy of that country can get back on its feet and it can be what it used to be.
In that way, Zimbabweans who have left Zimbabwe will find it a great incentive to go back to live normal lives in their country.
</blockquote>
The United States of America and Britain recently said that Zimbabwe’s economic challenges were caused by endemic corruption and not by sanctions. | <a href="https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/rest-of-africa/ramaphosa-zimbabweans-escaping-poverty-straining-south-africa-4000930">The East African</a>

Zimbabwean Economic Refugees Burdening SADC, Says Ramaphosa

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has criticised ZANU PF for alleged political indoctrination of learners amid reports that they are being forced to participate in the ruling party’s political events.
Earlier this week, hundreds of learners across the country missed lessons after they were reportedly forced to take part in anti-sanctions marches.
ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said learners should be in class preparing for examinations and not being abused by politicians. Said Masaraure:
<blockquote>
The ruling party is disrupting learners when they are supposed to be preparing for examinations; this is the same government that is presiding over examination leaks and a serious education crisis.
It is sad to note that the learners being abused are the sons and daughters of working people.
The sons and daughters of the abusers are insulated in elite private schools and exotic learning centres.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) claimed that ZANU PF directed schools in Harare to mobilise pupils to take part in ant-sanctions marches on 25 October.
However, speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002614/zanu-pf-politicising-education">NewsDay</a>, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro denied that pupils were forced to march against sanctions. He said:
<blockquote>
We have not ordered anyone, but its common cause that civic education on the matter has taken root, and its beginning to strongly espouse Unesco`s definition that children should be educated to become clear-thinking and enlightened citizens who participate in their society’s decisions.
Therefore, as we embrace our curriculum, it follows that without coercion, schools are bent on voluntarily holding anti-sanction events and expressing the impact they have on their society.
</blockquote>

"ZANU PF Abusing Children Of The Poor"

A local environmental conservation organisation says sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by some western countries are worsening climate change in the country.
The Director of Green Shango Environmental Trust based in Hwange, Daniel Sithole, said the issue of sanctions on Zimbabwe should be included on the agenda at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP27) to be held from 6 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Sithole argued that Zimbabwe is forced to rely on fossil fuels instead of investing in green energy due to sanctions. He said:
<blockquote>
Sanctions exacerbate climate change thereby compelling sanctioned countries like Zimbabwe to rely heavily on fossil fuels for their economic turnaround which is against the Paris Agreement.
As we head towards COP27, we wish this could be top of the agenda for sanctions on Zimbabwe to be lifted.
… We have the second-largest elephant population in the world after Botswana. We have a rich biodiversity with thriving ecosystem services making us one of the most lucrative destinations to visit in terms of tourism.
However, sanctions brew a negative narrative that blocks funding for our conservation, and this fuels human-wildlife conflict.
Zimbabwe is a signatory to the Paris Agreement to end coal emissions by 2030 but sanctions work against such ambitions as the country suffers limited funding for renewable energy.
As we approach COP27, we want it known that climate change is real and affects the economy, and leaves environmentalists with a mammoth task in pursuit of advocacy for sustainable development.
</blockquote>
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change and it covers climate change mitigation, adaptation, and finance. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/sanctions-worsening-climate-change-in-zimbabwe/">Chronicle</a>

"Sanctions Worsening Climate Change In Zimbabwe"

A member of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch, R-Idaho, has outlined what Zimbabwe needs to do for sanctions to be removed.
In 2021, the U.S. government passed the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA) in response to alleged human rights violations.
Under the law, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury instructed the U.S. executive director of each international financial institution to “oppose and vote against” any extension by the respective institution of any loan credit, or guarantee to the Government of Zimbabwe.
ZDERA also bars U.S. officials from supporting any cancellation or reduction of indebtedness owed by the Government of Zimbabwe to the United States or any international financial institution.
Posting on Twitter on Wednesday, Senator Risch said the sanctions will only be removed after the Government of Zimbabwe embarks on genuine democratic reforms and stops abusing its citizens. <a href="https://twitter.com/SenateForeign/status/1585328354009395200">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
#SADC’s #Zimbabwe anti-sanctions day was a day of solidarity for #Zim’s most corrupt #humanrights abusers. Despite their self-serving efforts, sanctions remain. A change will only occur when the gov’t embarks on genuine democratic reforms and stops abusing its citizens.
</blockquote>
On 25 October, now the SADC Anti-sanctions Day, the government sponsored anti-sanctions marches across the country calling for the removal of the restrictions.
The Chairperson of SADC, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who is the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, also issued a statement calling for the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

United States Senator Says Anti-sanctions Marches Are A Waste Of Time

The government reportedly tricked villagers into travelling to Masvingo for an anti-sanctions march on Tuesday on the pretext that they were going to Bikita’s for the funeral of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s grandson, Yasha Mafidi Mnangagwa.
A disgruntled villager told NewsDay that they were informed that they will be ferried to Mafidi’s funeral and after 7 Oclock, were told that all the buses had left. She said:
<blockquote>
We were then told that we were to go to the anti-sanctions march and be part of the programme in Masvingo.
They should have given us food but we have been told that the food available is for people from this side.
They told us there is no food for us or T-shirts.
</blockquote>
Another lady, who said she was on hypertension medication, said there was plenty of food available but they were just unwilling to share.
She said they could have abandoned the march if they were close to their homes but they had no option other than to wait for the buses availed by the government. She said:
<blockquote>
We boarded the buses around 4 AM to travel to the funeral but we were later told that we should take part in the anti-sanctions march.
We have eaten nothing so far. We came to the local board and we waited there for hours.
When the buses arrived, we were instructed to board and were brought here and now we have been made to wait again. It’s unfair.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the opposition CCC has criticised ZANU PF for infringing on children’s right to education by force-marching them to march against sanctions. CCC said:
<blockquote>
Children have the right to be protected from all kinds of abuse including participating in political activities. We strongly condemn the abuse of children that we witnessed across the country on Tuesday.
Children were forced to participate in political activities, which is a gross violation of their rights.
</blockquote>
On Tuesday, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) condemned the politicisation of education after ZANU PF and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education reportedly assigned teachers to mobilise learners for anti-sanctions marches.

Villagers Blocked From Travelling To ED Grandson's Funeral, Taken To Anti-sanctions March

The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has condemned the politicisation of education after ZANU PF and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education reportedly assigned teachers to mobilise learners for anti-sanctions marches on Tuesday, 25 October.
In a statement, ZPP said it was regrettable that learners were made to abandon lessons and take part in the march at a time some of them are writing public examinations. ZPP said:
<blockquote>
ZPP reports that the ruling party ZANU PF has mobilised pupils from different schools in Harare to convene for an anti-sanctions march and exhibition at Moffat Primary School in Arcadia, Harare. 
The activity is being engineered by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Some teachers across the province have been assigned to mobilise pupils to do arts, particularly poetry, drama, and traditional dances during the anti-sanctions campaign.
This is in violation of Section 75 (a) of the Constitution which states that all citizens and permanent residents of Zimbabwe have a right to education.
This is also during the time students are sitting for their final examinations. ZPP condemns the politicisation of the education system.
</blockquote>

ZANU PF Mobilised Schoolchildren For Anti-sanctions March - ZPP

The president of the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe, Bishop Amon Dubie Madawo, has demanded the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States and its allies arguing that the economic restrictions are hurting ordinary people.
James O’Brien, the U.S. State Department’s sanctions coordinator, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/us-official-blames-zimbabwes-economic-decline-on-corruption-not-sanctions/">recently said Zimbabwe’s economic decline was caused by corruption and bad economic policies, and not by sanctions.</a>
He said the U.S.and other Western nations imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in response to election rigging and human rights abuses.
But speaking during an interview with <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/sanctions-must-go-afm-president/">The Manica Post</a>, Madawo said sanctions are a form of punishment imposed on Zimbabwe after Harare embarked on the land reform programme to redistribute national resources equitably. Madawo said:
<blockquote>
The church, as an agent, can comment on anything. It has its own voice on this sanctions story because they are affecting the generality of Zimbabweans.
They are an albatross around the neck of Christians and the generality of the population.
There is misinformation that the sanctions are targeted at certain individuals, yet their debilitating impact is affecting all of us. They are affecting the whole nation.
Their victims are innocent people whom we preach to every day and these are people who are not in decision-making positions.
These sanctions are not helping but hurting the people of Zimbabwe. Our country and economy could be doing much better without them.
We cannot secure credit lines and foreign direct investments as a result of these sanctions, meaning they are stifling economic growth.
As church leaders, we are saying the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe must be removed.
It is not wrong for us to demand our liberty in terms of our land, economy and democratic space.
The people of Zimbabwe cannot be subjected to this kind of torture and suffering simply because they took back their land and corrected the racially-induced disproportionate distribution of national resources.
Zimbabwe is an independent nation that should attain its socio-economic self-actualisation. 
Historically, the land belonged to black people and it was taken away from us, so why should we be punished for correcting a historical injustice?
Why should we suffer for claiming back our land? These sanctions must be removed, they are not for any good to anyone.
</blockquote>

Sanctions Are Hurting Christians, Says AFM President

A senior United States official says poor governance and corruption in Zimbabwe are responsible for the country’s economic decline, not Western-imposed sanctions.
The U.S.and other Western nations imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe at the turn of the Millenium alleging election rigging and human rights abuses.
But speaking during a press briefing on 19 October 2022, James O’Brien, the U.S. State Department’s sanctions coordinator, said Zimbabwe’s economic decline was caused by corruption and bad economic policies.
He argued that sanctions are not hurting Zimbabwe’s economy, as they do not affect banks, pointing to billions of dollars in reported annual illegitimate, illegal cross-border transactions as examples of what is hurting the country’s economy. Said O’Brien:
<blockquote>
Those cost the citizens of Zimbabwe a lot of their chance at having a more prosperous and free life.
And so, we’d like our sanctions to be part of a policy answer that begins to improve the management of public services and public resources and makes things possible for the people of Zimbabwe to improve.
… We are not engaged in a comprehensive effort to close the Zimbabwean economy. We’re aware that because of the depth of the problems and the duration of this program, there probably are a lot of companies who believe that doing business in Zimbabwe is just too difficult.
And that does cost opportunities for the people of Zimbabwe. Whether that’s the result of the underlying mismanagement and corruption, or whether our sanctions add to it. That’s something we are willing to talk about.
We are focused on the people who benefit from corruption and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
That’s the behaviour we are attempting to change. Our sanctions are only one part of a policy to improve the situation there.
</blockquote>
However, the ZANU PF-led government says the sanctions are a form of economic warfare meant to punish Zimbabwe for taking land from about 4 000 white farmers and giving it to hundreds of thousands of landless black farmers.
The ultimate goal of the sanctions, according to the government of Zimbabwe, is to effect illegal regime change. | <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/us-official-blames-zimbabwe-s-economic-decline-on-corruption-not-sanctions/6798022.html">VOA News</a>

US Official Blames Zimbabwe's Economic Decline on Corruption, Not Sanctions

Businessman Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, who is also a Seventh-day Adventist Church elder, says he is tired of being pestered by married women who come to him seeking financial assistance for their husbands.
Speaking while delivering a sermon to an SDA congregation, Tagwirei said he needed to “confess” a problem that he was facing.
He said he was being inundated with requests for money from married women. He said:
<blockquote>
I have a problem and I want to confess. A big problem. There are many women or wives who come to me looking for help on behalf of their husbands…
</blockquote>
Watch the video shared by The NewsHawks on Twitter:
<div>
<video controls="controls" height="290" preload="metadata" width="640"><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kudakwashe-Tagwirei.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kudakwashe-Tagwirei.mp4</a></video></div>
The United States of America imposed sanctions on Tagwirei and the fuel company Sakunda Holdings which he owns. <a href="https://2017-2021.state.gov/the-united-states-imposes-sanctions-on-zimbabwean-businessman-kudakwashe-tagwirei/index.html">A statement issued by the U.S. Department of State on 5 August 2020 read in part</a>:
<blockquote>
Pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13469, the United States is imposing sanctions against Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, a notoriously corrupt Zimbabwean businessman, for materially assisting senior Zimbabwean government officials involved in public corruption.  Sakunda Holdings was also sanctioned for being owned or controlled by Tagwirei.
Tagwirei has longstanding ties to the ruling party in Zimbabwe and high-level governmental officials, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and First Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who were listed in the Annex to E.O. 13288 in March 2003. He has used his relationships to gain state contracts and receive favored access to hard currency, including U.S. dollars, especially in the Mnangagwa era.
Tagwirei is also the Chief Executive Officer of Zimbabwe-based Sakunda Holdings.  Government audit reports prompted a 2019 parliamentary inquiry into whether public funds were misappropriated, revealing the government had failed to account for about $3 billion disbursed under the Command Agriculture program, a state farm subsidy championed by President Mnangagwa and largely financed by Sakunda Holdings.
</blockquote>

WATCH: Kuda Tagwirei Confesses "A Big Problem" He Faces In His Life

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