By Kudakwashe Vhenge
Zimbabweans from various sectors of the society have expressed mixed feelings over the anti-sanctions march which has been slated for tomorrow (25 October 2019).
The conflicting sentiments came at the backdrop of the much-hyped demonstrations which have been endorsed by the Sothern African Development Community SADC countries who have vowed to give solidarity to Zimbabwe in their quest to put to an end sanctions which have been accused of crippling the country’s economy.
Ironically the dominant narrative voiced out by citizens who spoke to this publication have been the need to correct bad governance which have affected the economy whilst sighting sanctions as a scapegoat that has been used by the political elite to justify their misrule.
“Corruption is still very much everywhere with Mnangagwa appointing his close friend’s wife () to lead the fight against it is nothing but a buttress of the same act”, fumed one Ephraim Mutangadura.
Former Education minister David Coltart took to twitter the involvement of school children as irrational calling on UNICEF-Zimbabwe not to remain silent on what he termed “forced demonstrations of school pupils by a political party”.
The country’s security forces have been accused of using excessive force when dealing with dissent. Human rights activists have tasked the government to resolve reports of abductions of activists and civil society members.
“Those things are deeply concerning to the international community if they truly want the lifting of sanctions,” said Eric Munodawafa.
The civic society have however been blamed for the presence of sanctions by exaggerating the situation in the country in order to get bigger chunks of donor fund. This was reiterated by Abigail Mupambi during an anti-sanctions workshop in Bindura yesterday
The United States of America have maintained its stance that it has targeted sanctions on individuals and institutions that are an infringement to democracy and human rights.
Upon taking his oath of office, the United States of America Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols promised his support in removing sanctions only if the Mnangagwa led administration abides by the constitution and implements reforms it promised during the 2018 election campaign.
The anti-sanctions demonstrations came after SADC, during its 39th Ordinary Summit declared October 25 as the solidarity day against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by lining various activities in their respective countries.
Zimbabwe have since set this day as a public holiday.
