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Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is considering implementing tough retaliatory measures against the West as the continental legislative organ moved a motion to lift the illegal embargo imposed on Zimbabwe.
The motion was moved yesterday by Honourable Alhadji Mbow of Gambia, leading to robust debate during the fifth sitting of the first Ordinary session of the sixth Pan African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa.
PAP had in the past successfully advocated in 2016 for the lifting of economic sanctions imposed by the USA on Sudan since 2007. The Parliamentarians showcased Africa’s long-standing principle of solidarity and the same principles have been extended to Zimbabwe.
Supporting the resolution of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Governments demanding the immediate lifting of economic sanctions, the PAP Parliamentarians noted that the sanctions have affected not only Zimbabwe but the entire SADC region.
Concerned at the adverse effects of the sanctions, Hon. Sen. John Bonds Bideri of Rwanda noted that the sanctions have ravaged the economy of Zimbabwe and are counterproductive to regional efforts of economic development.
“Zimbabwe was at one time a superpower but since the sanctions, high levels of unemployment have been experienced. Zimbabwe has been reduced to a begging nation and the majority of its people have migrated to neighboring countries,” noted Hon Bideri.
Hon Stars Mathe of Zimbabwe alluded:
“Sanctions hinder development and they close lines of credit thereby stunting development. I fully understand the effects of sanctions and they have unleashed humanitarian suffering of unimaginable proportions on the citizens hence the calls for these coercive measures to be unilaterally removed.”
Hon Lammali Behdja of Algeria noted:
“Zimbabwe should be given back its economic freedom and the citizens should start benefitting from the immense natural wealth of their country. The continued imposition of the sanctions is an infringement on the rights of the people of Zimbabwe. We stand together as the PAP to condemn the sanctions and demand that they be immediately removed.”
Acknowledging that the government of Zimbabwe under President Emmerson Mnangagwa has opened a new chapter and is constructively engaging with the rest of the world, the PAP restated that the sanctions are unnecessary and harm innocent citizens. SADC declared October 25 as the day of solidarity over sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
Dr. Mathole Motshekga, a Member of the South African Parliament warned the West that African countries will seriously consider nationalising American and European companies’ assets as a retaliatory action against the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe and other nations on the continent.