Vice President Rtd Gen Constantino Chiwenga has expressed gratitude to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for supporting Zimbabwe in its fight against sanctions.
Chiwenga was delivering the vote of thanks at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inauguration ceremony held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Monday.
He acknowledged the efforts made by the late President Robert Mugabe, who took a strong stance against sanctions that were imposed on the country by the West.
“The country has for a long time been a victim in our own continent of punitive measures by the Western Countries following the imposition of illegal sanctions. I would like to thank SADC and the AU for standing resolutely with Zimbabwe against these sanctions,” Chiwenga said.
“We are what we are because of African solidarity as well as support from the world community which continues to stand with the people of Zimbabwe.”
Chiwenga also reiterated that Mnangagwa’s victory in the just-concluded election is a sign of confidence that Zimbabwe has in his leadership.
“This momentous occasion serves as a testament of the trust and confidence that the people of Zimbabwe have reposed in your visionary leadership. Your election is a culmination of the democracy processes provided for in the constitution where every five years we go back to the people to seek a fresh mandate,” he said.
“Your victory in the presidential race was a result of your people-centric policies which improved the performance of our economy and the livelihoods of the majority of our people. We are proud of your achievements in the first five-year term. ZANU-PF party does not take for granted this renewed confidence. You have been given the opportunity to continue and sustain the developmental trajectory towards the attainment of Vision 2030.”
The sanctions were imposed on Zimbabwe in 2002 following allegations of human rights abuses and electoral fraud. The government of Zimbabwe has denied the allegations, and has said that the sanctions are illegal and have caused significant economic hardship.
SADC has been a vocal critic of the sanctions, and has called for them to be lifted. The AU has also called for the sanctions to be lifted, and has said that they are a violation of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty.
The United States and the European Union, which are the main countries imposing the sanctions, have said that they will only lift them if there is significant progress on human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe.
