President Emmerson Mnangagwa did not get to power by accident. Last month, he succeeded former president Robert Mugabe who was forced out by the country’s military. For years – from early 2000, Western countries isolated Zimbabwe by imposing sanctions that have crippled national development in the country.
Now, Mnangagwa is seeking the removal of sanctions imposed by Western countries because of the biting effects on national development. Speaking in audience with the governing ZANU-PF party leaders in Harare, he said the government would do everything to ensure credible, free and fair elections next July, and the election could be brought forward.
Mnangagwa’s words: “We call for the unconditional lifting of the political and economic sanctions, which have crippled our national development. We realize that isolation is not splendid or viable as there is more to gain through solidarity; mutually beneficial partnerships”. He added that the elections were “nearer than you expect”.
Mnangagwa is expected to be endorsed on Friday as ZANU-PF party leader, as well as, presidential candidate of the party.
United States travel and economic embargo have been in force for ZANU-PF officials, senior members of the military and state-owned companies. President Trump’s administration has said the sanctions will not be removed unless political reforms take place.
European Union continues arms embargo, as well as sanctions against Mr Mugabe, his wife Grace and Zimbabwe Defence Industries.
President Mnangagwa would need to focus on living out the past, focus on consolidating and rebuilding the present for the future of his country as he seeks the removal of sanctions imposed by Western countries that have crippled national development in Zimbabwe.
