The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has reiterated a firm call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of all unilateral sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe.
In a statement marking the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day, the AUC Chairperson reaffirmed the African Union’s full solidarity with the government and people of Zimbabwe, aligning the continental body’s stance with that of SADC.
H.E. Youssouf expressed deep concern over the prolonged economic and social hardships caused by the sanctions, describing them as “a significant impediment to the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region.”
Zimbabwean sanctions history involves major sanctions from the EU, US, and UK, initially imposed in the early 2000s due to human rights concerns, corruption, and undemocratic practices.
“These unilateral sanctions have severely constrained Zimbabwe’s access to international finance, deterred foreign direct investment, and increased the cost of doing business,” the AUC Chairperson stated.
“They undermine our collective pursuit of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
He further noted that the sanctions continue to derail Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 development blueprint, while hindering regional economic integration and macroeconomic stability across Southern Africa.
The AU Commission, he emphasized, remains steadfast in mobilizing continental and global support for Zimbabwe until the “punitive measures are fully lifted,” enabling the nation to achieve its development aspirations and contribute more effectively to Africa’s prosperity.
