Celebrating the Day of Solidarity Against Zimbabwe Illegal Sanctions
We mark 25 October 2021 the Zimbabwe Anti Sanctions Day as a day of Solidarity with the toiling masses of the Republic of Zimbabwe who now for 20 years have endured the illegal unilateral sanctions and economic development restrictions imposed by the Western Nations including the United States of America, Britain and the European Union. The European Union and the United Kingdom call them sanctions while the US call them smart sanctions or restrictions under the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 (ZIDERA) signed in by former US President, George W. Every US Administration including Mr Trump’s has been extending these sanctions. Yes, whether we like it or not Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans are under these draconian illegal sanctions.
Sanctions have been proven by the United Nations and other renowned researchers that they hurt the unintended target, especially women and children, the less privileged and disadvantaged peoples of the world. Zimbabweans have not been spared from their onslaught and battering of the ruthless illegal sanctions preferred by the so-called ‘Civilized World’. The author finds himself in a dilemma of the paradigm of coercive diplomacy versus humanity and civilization? The conclusion is that these unilateral embargoes, restrictions, sanctions and punitive measures against Zimbabwe are evil, wicked and cancerous and should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. They must go!!!
The sanctions are based on a false foundation. They were imposed to punish Zimbabwe for taking its land back from colonizers. They are illegal because the UN Security Council did not approve them and the UN is still begging for the burden of proof for the unilateral sanctions against Zimbabwe?
Ms Ms. Alena Douhan, the UN Rapporteur is now in the country to assess the damage caused by the illegal sanctions to Zimbabwe. This is an excellent opportunity for Zimbabwe to come clean. There could be many such rapporteurs coming to Zimbabwe but the real ballgame lies with the UN P5 which include some of the perpetrators of unilateralism in international affairs which encompasses these illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe.
It’s pleasing to note that the 2nd Republic has taken a stance to rebuild the ‘broken bridges’ with sanctioning nations such as the UK, the USA and the European Union. It is also crucial that the African Union and regional groups in Africa have stood solidly with Zimbabwe. It’s also critical to note that the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China and many of Zimbabwe’s friends in the developing world have taken a stance to shame and call for the removal of the draconian economic measures against Zimbabwe.
The 2nd Republic has now adopted the theme “friend to all, enemy to none”. The author wishes to add that “there are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies in contemporary diplomacy and international relations – there are only permanent interests”.
It’s only appropriate for these illegal sanctions to be unconditionally lifted. Zimbabweans should learn to be united for the purpose of building a solid one nation. With or without sanctions we should sharpen our tools of efficiency, selflessness and dedication to the national cause. Foster unity and fight corruption and ineptness in the running of the economy. Sanctions may still remain but Zimbabwe must navigate solutions to be productive and build the Zimbabwe we want.
United We Stand and Divided We Fall.
Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy