Milicent Chasinda
Government has implored Zimbabweans to remain resolute despite challenges that come with the illegal sanctions imposed by some Western nations.
This comes against the backdrop of calls for the unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions as they were affecting the development of the country.
SADC declared October 25 a solidarity day against the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
The sanctions include financial, trade and investment restrictions.
Addressing a gathering at Africa Unity Square, after the Anti-Sanctions March from Monomotapa Hotel, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said the sanctions continued to limit Zimbabwe’s ability to deliver essential services.
They were also harming the country’s capacity to meet Sustainable Development Goals and enjoy the human right to development.
He called on countries that maintain sanctions to unconditionally remove them now.
“Our foreign policy is underpinned by the mantra ‘we are an enemy of none and friend to all’ in which we seek to win friendly collaboration with all countries in the world.
“I also call upon Zimbabweans to remain resolute and fight for the prosperity of our country despite the illegal sanctions.”
VP Chiwenga added: “The sanctions imposed include financial restrictions, illegal economic measures that alienate Zimbabwe from global supply chains and growth of the financial system as well as capital inflows mainly from the West.
“Since 2001 we estimate Zimbabwe has lost US$150 billion through frozen assets, trade, export and investment restrictions. This has forced our gross domestic product to contract drastically.
“The illegal sanctions are also a direct attack on Zimbabwe’s currency of choice hence our motherland Zimbabwe remains subdued by the United States dollar.”
He said the sanctions have also negatively impacted on the enjoyment of the fundamental rights, including access to food, health and safe drinking water and sanitation.
He said in 2021, the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Allana Bohan, observed that sanctions limit Zimbabwe’s ability to guarantee the functioning of public institutions, delivery of service and maintenance of essential infrastructure.