Truth First, Then Relief from Sanctions

The Misconception of Sanctions on Zimbabwe

Many individuals continue to argue that Zimbabwe is suffering under a broad range of sanctions, implying that the entire nation is being held hostage by foreign powers. This narrative suggests that all 16 million Zimbabweans are affected by sweeping economic restrictions. However, this claim is not only inaccurate but also misleading.

The idea that there are widespread sanctions against Zimbabwe is a myth. The ZIDERA program, often incorrectly labeled as “sanctions on Zimbabwe,” has long been terminated. As of March 4, 2024, any measures that could be interpreted as sanctions have been removed, leaving only targeted restrictions on specific individuals and entities.

Targeted Restrictions, Not Broad Sanctions

Under the U.S. Global Magnitsky Act, there are travel and financial restrictions on a small number of individuals and companies. These include President Emmerson Mnangagwa, his wife Auxillia, Owen Ncube, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Sakunda Holdings, Obey Chimuka, and Fossil Contracting. Similarly, in Europe, Zimbabwe has never faced broad economic sanctions. The European Union has removed its last listed entity, maintaining only an arms embargo that does not impact the economy or ordinary citizens.

In the United Kingdom, until May 2025, a few individuals and one entity, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, were subject to targeted financial and travel restrictions. However, these have since been lifted. What remains is the legal framework governing trade in military and dual-use goods, including an arms embargo, which does not affect Zimbabwe’s economy or its citizens.

The Impact of Misinformation

Despite these facts, some leaders and activists continue to claim that Zimbabwe is still under harsh sanctions. This misinformation is harmful because it absolves the government of accountability for its failures. By blaming external forces, it allows leaders to avoid scrutiny for poor governance, corruption, and economic decline.

If those calling for the removal of sanctions were honest, they would clearly state their demands: lift the travel and financial restrictions on Mnangagwa, his inner circle, and their business associates. That is what remains today.

The Role of the UN Special Rapporteur

Dr. Alena Douhan, the UN Special Rapporteur on sanctions, acknowledged in her 2021 report that much of the hardship attributed to “sanctions” was actually caused by over-compliance. Foreign banks and companies responded with excessive caution beyond what the restrictive measures required, leading to unintended consequences. This highlights that the real issue was not the legal restrictions themselves, but the exaggerated reactions of private actors.

Political Use of the Sanctions Narrative

Over the past two decades, the narrative that sanctions are strangling Zimbabwe has become a political lifeline for ZANU-PF. As poverty and mismanagement become more evident, the regime continues to blame external forces rather than addressing internal issues. Even now, when restrictions are limited to a few individuals, the government still claims that sanctions are the cause of its problems.

This is not just disingenuous; it is a deliberate tactic to avoid scrutiny. Pro-regime activist Rutendo Matinyarare, who has acknowledged that sanctions on Zimbabwe have been removed, faces criticism from presidential spokesperson George Charamba on social media. This shows the regime’s continued obsession with keeping the sanctions narrative alive as a convenient scapegoat.

International Reactions and Realities

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema recently claimed that “sanctions” were limiting cooperation between Zambia and Zimbabwe. However, he provided no concrete examples of how trade, investment, or cooperation is being blocked due to these so-called sanctions. This repetition of the sanctions narrative appears aimed at appeasing Mnangagwa rather than reflecting reality.

Imagine if advocates were courageous enough to state their true message: demand the removal of travel and financial restrictions on specific individuals. This would strip away the veneer of victimhood and lead to a real conversation about reform, accountability, and governance.

The Need for Honesty and Clarity

In conclusion, we must demand honesty. If people truly want “sanctions lifted,” let them say: lift the sanctions on Mnangagwa and his cronies. Anything else is political theatre. Zimbabweans deserve truth, clarity, and genuine accountability.