Online Reporter
THE immediate and unconditional removal of economic sanctions on Zimbabwe would unlock the country’s potential and pave the way for accelerated economic growth across the SADC region and the entire continent, Pan African Parliament (PAP) president Chief Fortune Charumbira has said.
In a solidarity message commemorating the SADC-Anti-Sanctions day, PAP said that although Zimbabwe has exhibited resilience in the wake of illegal sanctions, the country’s growth has been impeded, causing untold suffering to the population.
“While the nation continues to gradually etch forward through several sanctions-busting strategies, doubtless, the lifting of sanctions will unlock Zimbabwe’s unbridled potential and pave the way for the country’s accelerated economic growth and contribution to the prosperity of its people, the SADC Region and the entire continent,” Chief Charumbira said.
While calling for the immediate removal of the illegal sanctions, PAP commended the Zimbabweans for demonstrating unshakeable resilience and unity of purpose.
“The Pan African Parliament joins the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the SADC Region at large in calling for the immediate and unconditional removal of the illegal economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe and its people have demonstrated unshakeable resilience and unity of purpose in the face of this unwarranted embargo imposed as a punitive measure after the country successfully reclaimed its land and heritage from the erstwhile colonial masters,” he said.
The Pan African Parliament implored all 55 member states of the African Union to be inspired by the Pan-African spirit of “Ubuntu”.
PAP also commended SADC for its firm stand and bold declaration that no country should be held at ransom for asserting its sovereignty and reclaiming its heritage.
“As we commemorate the Anti-Sanctions Day, we implore all the 55 Member States of the African Union to be inspired by the Pan – African spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ – the great African principle that asserts that ‘I am because we are.”
Motivated by this timeless African value, we must stand with Zimbabwe and reaffirm that none of us suffers or thrives in isolation, boldly declare that our humanity is intricately intertwined, sincerely acknowledge that the chains that link our fate are stronger than any borders that divide us, and collectively call for the removal of the illegal economic sanctions.”
