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Cabinet officials

Zimbabwe Seeks Unconditional Removal of Sanctions on 22nd Anniversary

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Zimbabwe has endured 22 years of economic hardship and restricted development opportunities due to illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, totalling over $150 billion in lost revenue and potential support. However, the Second Republic has introduced a mix of transformative initiatives, including re-engagement and inward-looking policies, which have resulted in a significant increase in the country's Gross Domestic Product, rising from $20 billion to $40 billion over the past five years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zimbabwe has lost over $150 billion in revenue, opportunities, donor support, and loans due to illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.
  • The sanctions have had a ripple effect on the Zimbabwean economy and have negatively impacted fundamental human rights, including access to health, food, safe drinking water, and sanitation.
  • The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Coercive Unilateral Sanctions on Zimbabwe found that the sanctions have had a subtle ripple effect on the economy and have negatively impacted the enjoyment of fundamental human rights.
  • The sanctions have weakened Zimbabwe's institutions and degraded its infrastructure, limiting its participation in the global economic system.
  • Despite the sanctions, Zimbabwe has held free and fair elections every five years, demonstrating its commitment to democracy and self-determination.
  • The West's claims to justify the sanctions are baseless, and Zimbabwe demands equal status with other countries in the world as enshrined in the 1945 United Nations Charter.
  • Zimbabwe has received support from the African Union, Sadc, China, Russia, and other progressive nations in its fight against the sanctions.
  • The country is urging the unconditional removal of sanctions and is committed to friendly collaborations with all countries in the world.

Statistics:

  • Over $150 billion lost in revenue, opportunities, donor support, and loans due to illegal sanctions (Source: VP Constantino Chiwenga)
  • Zimbabwe's Gross Domestic Product rose from $20 billion to $40 billion over the past five years (Source: VP Constantino Chiwenga)
  • 20 years of sanctions have negatively impacted fundamental human rights, including access to health, food, safe drinking water, and sanitation (Source: UN Special Rapporteur)
  • 2021: The United Nations appointed Ms Alena Douhan as a Special Rapporteur on the Coercive Unilateral Sanctions on Zimbabwe (Source: UN)
  • 1945: United Nations Charter enshrines the right to self-determination for all countries (Source: UN Charter)

Sources:

  • Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's speech, (date unspecified)
  • United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Coercive Unilateral Sanctions on Zimbabwe (Source: UN, 2021)
  • United Nations Charter (Source: UN, 1945)
  • News article by Zvamaida Murwira (Source: unspecified)

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