OPPOSITION political parties under the banner of the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) have united in a call for the unconditional removal of sanctions, asserting that these measures have ceased to serve their intended purpose.
Launched in 2019, Polad brings together political parties that contested the 2018 harmonised elections to discuss pressing national issues.
The platform was designed as a vibrant forum for parties to propose solutions to the challenges facing the nation through peaceful, open, and transparent dialogue.
Following his victory in the August 2023 elections, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed the importance of Polad’s continued operation.
However, former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, who lost to President Mnangagwa, has opted not to join the group, insisting on engaging in dialogue with the President outside of Polad.
Delivering the solidarity message during the launch of a digitally enabled National Anti-Sanctions Petition programme by President Mnangagwa, Polad Chief of Protocol, Welcome Shumba underscored the need for opposition parties to stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe.
He reiterated the call for the unconditional removal of sanctions, highlighting their detrimental impact on ordinary citizens. The digital National Anti-Sanctions Petition programme allows citizens to sign online to express their rejection of sanctions.
This initiative coincides with Sadc’s Anti-Sanctions Day on October 25, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects of sanctions that have plagued Zimbabwe for over two decades. “We are here as concerned citizens lobbying for the removal of sanctions. We stand in solidarity with the government and all citizens.
Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. We want to trade with every country and institution internationally without hindrance,” Shumba said. He stressed that Zimbabwe has committed no crime and should have the freedom to shape its own future.
“Our only ‘crime’ is that we repossessed our land. The sanctions are designed to make people suffer and turn against the government of the day. They are part of a regime change agenda,” he asserted. Shumba further criticized the sanctions, stating that they primarily benefit those who called for them while ordinary citizens continue to suffer.
“The narrative of human rights abuses is merely a gimmick with no basis in truth. Today, as a body representing all political parties, we are calling for the unconditional removal of sanctions,” he declared.
The sanctions were imposed by Western countries at the turn of the millennium in response to the Zanu PF government’s decision to compulsorily acquire vast tracts of prime agricultural land from a small number of white commercial farmers to resettle thousands of landless black families.
The West reacted harshly to these agrarian reforms, and imposed illegal economic sanctions that have cost Zimbabwe over US$90 billion in economic damages over the years.
Despite claims that the restrictions target specific individuals within the ruling party, this narrative has been dismissed by Sadc and other progressive nations. —New Ziana