Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
SOUTHERN African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed the e-petition that targets 1 million signatures calling for the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the West
2024 marks five years since the SADC region united with one voice in calling for the lifting of the illegal embargo that has stifled Zimbabwe’s economic growth since the turn of the millennium.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa who is also the SADC Chairperson led proceedings by appending his signature to the e-petition that was signed by ZANU PF Politburo members this Tuesday as a reflection of unity against the embargo.
Addressing delegates, the SADC Chairperson expressed gratitude to regional member states and friendly nations who continue to stand with Zimbabwe in the face of harsh treatment by the west hindering Zimbabwe’s attainment of vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Zimbabwe, I express my profound gratitude to the SADC region, broader African continent, and other progressive countries as well as the United Nations who continue to stand in solidarity with us against these illegal sanctions. Your unwavering solidarity is a source of hope and resilience. Comrades; It is a well-documented fact that the unjust sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe continue to have far-reaching consequences across the lives of our people.
“Sanctions are strangling our economy, undermining our right to self-determination, and compromising the achievement of the collective development aspirations of our country. Further, they have limited our ability to trade freely, restricted access to international financial support, stifled investment and reduced our ability to adequately invest in social services. This has, in-turn, negatively affected the lives and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, particularly women, children and the vulnerable. Illegal sanctions are impairing our quest to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also applauded the resilience and unity of purpose in busting the sanctions.
“I salute the resolve of the people of this great nation which can never be broken. Our unity, resilience, resourcefulness and fortitude will ultimately break the grip and albatross of sanctions. Together, we are overcoming the negative impact of these unjust and illegal measures; we are emerging more united, focused, hardworking and innovative as we build a stronger economy and society. The people of our motherland, both here at home and in the diaspora are a testament of the indisputable truth in our national development philosophy that indeed ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.’
“Fellow Zimbabweans, today, we amplify our voice against the imposition of illegal sanctions, by launching a digitally enabled National Anti-Sanctions Petition Programme. The initiative enables citizens to digitally append their signatures on a petition to express their rejection of sanctions through online platforms. Media houses and practitioners, including other anti-sanctions lobby groups, are called upon to partner this initiative. The fast-paced convergence of the broadcasting sector, including community radio stations and ICTs should see the increase of access to anti-sanctions information across both rural and urban areas. It is the duty of all of us to raise awareness on the negative effects of illegal sanctions on our country and people,” said the President.
The Head of State lauded research and development, innovation and climate proof agriculture for playing a key role in the country’s growth.
“Guided by the theme, “Embracing Innovation Towards Vision 2030: A Relentless Fight Against Illegal Sanctions,” let us pursue new prospects for accelerated socio-economic growth. Undoubtedly, heritage-based knowledge systems, climate resilient agriculture, renewable energy, industrialisation, advanced health care, as well as research and development are key to achieving Vision 2030.
“As such, collaboration and partnerships with progressive countries should be scaled up towards building a future driven by ingenuity, new technologies, science and research. In doing so, it is critically important that we leverage our rich natural resources, skills base and cultural heritage as we modernise and industrialise our motherland, Zimbabwe. The youth are our source of hope and the future of our nation. They are the innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow. The ZANU PF Government shall, therefore, continue to empower them with the requisite skills, resources and tools to drive innovation and economic growth. In the same vein, the broadening of favourable measures and conditions that promote women empowerment for the realisation of sustainable economic development remain critically important,” he further explained.
The SADC region is not alone in the call for the removal sanctions.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat says he remains concerned about the negative impact of the illegal embargo stifling Zimbabwe’s socio-economic recovery efforts.
He also called for constructive dialogue with a view to remove the illegal sanctions
