Story by Oleen Ndori
SOUTH Africa and Namibia have amplified calls for the lifting of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States and its allies.
The South African President addressed the United Nations General Assembly this Tuesday, with his speech focusing on world peace efforts and the role of the international community.
He drew the world’s attention to the shackles of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States and its Western Allies.
“The sanctions that are also being applied against South Africa’s neighbour, Zimbabwe, should also be lifted, as they are imposing untold suffering on ordinary Zimbabweans, but also have a collateral negative impact on neighbouring countries, such as my own country, South Africa,” he said.
The sentiments raised by the South African President have also been echoed by the president of Namibia Hage Geingob as he addressed the General Assembly.
“I always say that you do not make peace with your friends, you make peace with your enemies. Punitive measures imposed for over half a century on the Republic of Cuba, have brought untold hardships that have disenfranchised the Cuban people. The embargo against the Cuban people remains unjust and must therefore be lifted. Namibia appeals to the United States of America to remove the Republic of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, as there is no evidence to support such a classification. Selective punitive measures against Zimbabwe and Venezuela must also be lifted, as these measures constitute the greatest obstacle to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” he said.
The call for the removal of the illegal embargo by President Ramaphosa comes ahead of the October 25 SADC solidarity day against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
More African leaders are expected to call for the lifting of the sanctions during the United Nations General Assembly which is running under the theme: “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”
