Zimbabwe accuses US of conctinued “wanton hostilit...

Zimbabwe accuses US of conctinued “wanton hostilities”

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

The Zimbabwean government released a fiery statement on Wednesday, condemning what they call “illegal” US sanctions and demanding their immediate and complete removal.

This comes just two days after US President, Joe Biden announced the rescinding of some executive orders related to Zimbabwean sanctions, a move the Zimbabwean government views as insufficient.

The statement accuses the US of imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2001 as an act of “reprisal” for the country’s land reform programme and a “challenge” to its sovereignty. It further states that these sanctions were “illegal and unjustified” then, and remain so today.

The Zimbabwean government dismisses the recent US announcement as “palliative measures” and expresses no gratitude towards Biden. They emphasise their demand for the “unconditional removal in toto” of all sanctions, including the “infamous ZDERA,” which they deem responsible for “heinous crimes” committed against the Zimbabwean people.

The statement also takes strong objection to what it calls “gratuitous slander” and “defamatory remarks” made by US officials against Zimbabwean leadership and citizens. These accusations, they claim, are “unbacked by evidence” and represent a continuation of “wanton hostilities” by the US. They demand evidence from the US government and, failing that, a complete withdrawal of the accusations.

“Further, Zimbabwe takes great exception to gratuitous slander, and defamatory remarks by officials of the Biden Administration against the sanctioned Zimbabwean leadership and its nationals,” the Zimbabwean government noted.

The Zimbabwean government further expressed its gratitude to regional and international bodies for supporting their fight against the sanctions. They urge continued pressure for the removal of the sanctions and express solidarity with other nations facing similar challenges.

The statement urged the US to “lead by example” and act in accordance with international law. Zimbabwe, they declare, will remain firm in its pursuit of self-determination and will not be deterred by sanctions or hostilities.