Sanctions will not deter us, Zanu PF tells EU

Zim Now Writer

The ruling Zanu PF party said it is not discouraged by the renewal of sanctions against Zimbabwe by the European Union, adding that the country continues to seek internal solutions to independently drive its economy.

This comes after the EU, this week, decided to renew restrictive measures against Zimbabwe until February 20, 2025.

The sanctions comprise the prohibition of EU countries from trading on arms and equipment with Zimbabwe. They also target assets freeze against one entity, Zimbabwe Defence Industries. There are no listed individuals.

In an interview with Zim Now, Zanu PF director of information, Farai Marapira, slammed the EU for continuously disregarding “our open door policy”.

He described the renewal of sanctions as a “vindictive way of handling matters”.

“It is quite unfortunate that despite our open door policy, the European Union continues to seek vindictive ways of handling matters of differences they might perceive to have with us as a nation,” he said.

“President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa has been very clear that we have got our doors very wide open and we are willing to engage and re-engage with each and everyone. So, in the absence of this, we really get worried about this behaviour by the EU.”

Marapira, however, noted that Zanu PF would institute internal measures to promote the economy regardless of the sanctions.

“But as the Zanu PF-led government, we will find a way through.

“We will develop our nation, which is why you found our President saying ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo'. We are looking internally within ourselves to be able to build and take our nation forward. So, essentially, we are going to succeed in this with or without these sanctions. We are going to take Zimbabwe to higher heights, and Vision 30 shall be realised,” he added.

Western countries argue that their sanctions do not affect the Zimbabwean economy. But authorities in the southern African country and the region believe that the restrictive measures are responsible for the economic challenges facing Zimbabwe.