Vongai Masuka

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat has backed Zimbabwe’s call for the immediate removal of sanctions imposed on it by the United States of America and its Western Allies, saying they pose a negative impact on the country’s economy.

In a statement,  Mahamat reaffirmed the commitment of the African Union to support Zimbabwe in mobilising efforts for the complete lifting of all remaining sanctions.

However, he voiced deep concern over the adverse effects of sanctions on Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development  in the midst of global food and energy crises compounded by the ongoing challenges of post-Covid-19 recovery.

“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat once again renews the longstanding AU demand for the immediate and unconditional lifting of sanctions imposed against institutions and individuals of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and in full support of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) position on the issue.

“The Chairperson wishes to acknowledge subsequent engagement with the European Union through political dialogue, as encouraging. In this regard, the Chairperson encourages all parties to continue dialogue with the view to end all remaining sanctions against Zimbabwe,” reads the statement.

The call comes at a time where the African Union and the Southern African Development Community have set aside 25 October as the day to call for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

To amplify the call, Zimbabwe has conducted a march today in Harare where civil servants and professional from all sectors took part to make their call.