Emmerson Mnangagwa calls for West to lift sanctions against ruling elite
Harare — New President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday called for the removal of Western sanctions on members of Zimbabwe’s ruling elite and said elections due in 2018 were "nearer than you expect". The US maintains a travel and economic embargo on several Zanu-PF party officials, top military figures and some government-owned firms. It imposed it during former president Robert Mugabe’s rule over what it called violations of human rights and democracy. The EU lifted most of its sanctions in 2014 but kept them on Mugabe and his wife, Grace. "We call for the unconditional lifting of the political and economic sanctions, which have crippled our national development," Mnangagwa told a meeting of the Zanu-PF central committee in Harare. "We realise that isolation is not splendid or viable as there is more to gain through solidarity, mutually beneficial partnerships." Mnangagwa, 75, became leader of the southern African nation last month after the military and ruling Zanu-PF turned against...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.