African Union and Zimbabwe call for lifting of sanctions

The African Union (AU) and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa have issued renewed calls for the unconditional removal of unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean institutions and individuals.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed concern that these measures restrict Zimbabwe’s access to international financial systems, discourage foreign direct investment, and increase business costs. Youssouf noted that the sanctions impede the country’s Vision 2030 development plan and undermine regional economic integration goals set by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the AU’s Agenda 2063.

Speaking during the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, President Mnangagwa stated that the sanctions punish not only Zimbabwe but the entire SADC region. He argued that the measures infringe upon Zimbabwe’s ability to advance an integrated Africa and called for increased regional cooperation in trade, energy, and infrastructure to drive economic transformation despite the current restrictions.