SADC push for removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe
STAFF WRITER
Member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have reiterated their demands for the lifting of unlawful sanctions imposed by the West on Zimbabwe, citing detrimental effects on the country’s and the region’s economic growth.
The call was made at the conclusion of the Summit that Zimbabwe hosted at the New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden.
“Summit reiterated the regional call made at the 39th SADC Summit for unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe and acknowledged that the sanctions continue to hinder the progress and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the SADC region,” reads part of the communiqué.
It is estimated that Zimbabwe has lost more than US$40bn in potential revenue and development assistance from international lenders since the imposition of the illegal sanctions over 20 years ago.
Britain, the European Union, the United States and other Western countries-imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe after Harare embarked on land reforms to distribute farm land to empower indigenous Zimbabweans previously disadvantaged by colonial policies.
The regional grouping has since declared October 25 as the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day in solidarity with Zimbabwe.
The summit also commended Zimbabwe for organising and hosting the 7th Annual SADC Industrialisation Week and Exhibition held in Harare, from July 28 to August 2 in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat, the SADC Business Council and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries.
