By Dangwam Jude Dabee
The African Union (AU) has renewed its call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of unilateral sanctions imposed against Zimbabwean institutions and individuals, warning that the restrictions continue to undermine the country’s socio-economic development and long-term aspirations.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in a statement dated 23 October, 2016 signed by his/ Commission Spokesperson, Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh and made available of the Commission’s website said the sanction has held Zimbabwe back from growth in the Southern African region of the continent.
Youssouf reiterated the continental body’s longstanding position, expressing deep concern over the far-reaching consequences of the sanctions on Zimbabwe’s economy, investment climate and development prospects.
According to the AU Commission Chairperson, the restrictions have significantly constrained Zimbabwe’s access to international financial systems, discouraged foreign direct investment, raised the cost of doing business and severely limited the country’s ability to obtain development assistance.
The AU warned that these challenges threaten to slow Zimbabwe’s progress towards its national development target, Vision 2030, while also affecting broader regional and continental ambitions.
These include the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) macroeconomic convergence and regional integration targets, the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Commission maintained that the consequences of the sanctions extend beyond immediate economic difficulties, potentially affecting the country’s capacity to mobilise resources, attract investment and deliver sustainable development outcomes for its citizens.
Youssouf reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in its efforts to secure the removal of the restrictions, underscoring the continental body’s continued solidarity with the southern African nation.
The AU Commission Chairperson also expressed the organisation’s full alignment with a statement issued by the Chairperson of SADC on behalf of the regional bloc, reinforcing a common regional position on the matter.
The renewed appeal highlights the AU’s continuing push for the removal of the sanctions, which it considers an obstacle to Zimbabwe’s development ambitions and wider regional economic integration.
