US extends visa restrictions on Zimbabwe

**US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken**

Zim Now Writer

The United States government has extended visa restrictions to include Zimbabwean officials they believe are undermining democracy, engaging in corruption and rigging elections.

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken confirmed the development in a statement. The targeted individuals include those who interfere with the operations of civil society organizations, engaging in corrupt activities and undermining electoral processes.

“I am announcing today a new visa restriction policy for undermining democracy in Zimbabwe. Under this policy, the United States will pursue visa restrictions, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, for individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Zimbabwe,” Blinken said.

“Such acts may include manipulating or rigging the electoral process; disenfranchising voters or preventing individuals from exercising their right to vote; excluding members of the political opposition from electoral processes; restricting the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) to operate and engage in democratic, governance, or human rights related activities; or intimidation of voters, election observers, or CSOs through threats or acts of physical violence.

“They may also include engaging in corrupt acts, including bribery, that undermine the electoral process; interfering with the independent operation of the judiciary during its adjudication of electoral cases; or abusing or violating human rights in Zimbabwe.”

The restrictions will also affect family members of the targeted individuals.

“Family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe, including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy.

“The visa restriction policy will apply to specific individuals involved in these acts, and is not directed at the Zimbabwean people. The United States supports Zimbabweans’ aspirations to have free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people and strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights,” he added.

The Southern African Development Community and European Union observers concluded that the plebiscite fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Uganda has been slapped with the visa restrictions as well, especially for its anti-LGBT law that was enacted in May.

The US alleges Uganda is repressing marginalised groups such as the LGBT community in the African country.

Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ law, considered one of the harshest in the world, carries the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” an offence that includes transmitting HIV through gay sex.