Staff Reporter
In a clear show of regional solidarity, SADC has once again voiced its concern and disapproval of the prolonged illegal sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The regional bloc said the uplifting of the illegal embargo would go a long way towards facilitating the country's socio-economic recovery plan.
SADC's call was made by the bloc's Chairperson and President of Malawi Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.
President Chakwera said,
“SADC wishes to reaffirm its solidarity with the Government and people of the republic of Zimbabwe and to collectively voice its concern on and disapproval of the prolonged sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe.
“As SADC we are concerned by the continuation of the sanctions on some individuals or entities of Zimbabwe and hereby call for the unconditional and immediate lifting of these sanctions. There is no doubt that this lifting will facilitate socio-economic recovery and enable Zimbabwe meet her national and regional economic development plans as well as effectively manage her international obligations.
“As a Region we remain adamant that the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe whether targeted or restrictive are a fundamental constraint and hindrance to the country’s prospects of economic recovery human security and sustainable growth. The global trajectory of the global economy is on re-building and recovery. To this effect, FDI by virtue of being the largest source of foreign capital, remains a critical catalyst and facilitator of growth. The sanctions increase the perception of Zimbabwe as being in a high risk profile category, thereby diminishing the credibility of investment and investor confidence while exacerbating investment risks. This further diminishes the country’s prospects of obtaining impactful FDI and serves as a deterrent for economic emancipation, growth and stability.
“We wish to commend those International Cooperating Partners who have continuously extended development cooperation support and assistance towards the Gvt of Zimbabwe and urge all development partners and stakeholders to support Zimbabwe’s efforts towards implementing her reform agenda.
“The Republic of Zimbabwe and the SADC Region are committed to engage in meaningful constructive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders with a view to consolidate the rule of law , democracy, governance and human rights . It is only through such exchanges that better appreciation of concerns of all parties could be secured a progress towards their resolution be achieved.
“Consistent with the collective global commitment, “to leave no one behind” and in practical furtherance of the spirit of multilateralism, SADC calls for the immediate and conditional removal of all sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, for the good of the country and its people, the SADC Region and the global community.”
In 2019 the SADC summit declared October 25 as a solidarity day against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe after noting the adverse impact on the economy of Zimbabwe and the region at large.