ADDIS ABABA — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean institutions and individuals.
Youssouf expressed deep concern over what he described as the negative impact of the sanctions on Zimbabwe’s social and economic development.
He said the measures had restricted the country’s access to international financial systems, discouraged foreign direct investment and increased the cost of doing business.
The sanctions had also limited Zimbabwe’s ability to access development assistance, affecting efforts to implement its Vision 2030 development plan, according to the AU statement.
Youssouf said the measures undermined regional economic integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe and said the continental bloc would continue efforts to secure the removal of the sanctions.
The AU also expressed full support for a statement issued by the SADC chairperson on behalf of member states calling for the sanctions against Zimbabwe to be lifted.
The sanctions have long been a source of diplomatic disagreement, with Zimbabwe and its regional allies arguing that they have hindered economic recovery and development. Supporters of targeted sanctions have maintained that such measures are intended to address concerns over governance and human rights.
The renewed appeal underscores the African Union’s continued opposition to unilateral sanctions, which it says can impede economic development and regional integration.
