Zimbabwe government is planning an anti-sanctions campaign in the upcoming weeks up to the Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day, held on 25 October 2021.
This follows SADC’s decision to designate a day of solidarity with Zimbabwe against the embargoes in 2019.
Western countries, two decades ago imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe accusing the southern African country of violating human rights.
But, Zimbabwe has opposed the move by the US and the European Union calling the embargoes illegal sanctions.
Speaking during a cabinet briefing yesterday, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa revealed a plot to broadcast programs on the negative impacts of sanctions on media platforms up to 25 October 2021.
The country’s government has been using state-owned entities including the ZBC channels, and also Zim Papers newspapers to convey the state’s point of view.
“The negative impact of the sanctions on ordinary Zimbabweans will be highlighted through testimonies from affected businesses and other population groups, including women, the youth, and vulnerable groups across all socio-economic sectors,” Mutsvangwa said.
“The activities will also include engagements of the Diaspora, diplomatic corps, and SADC missions. Media briefings, interviews, and webinars by Zimbabwean Ambassadors in their areas of accreditation will be conducted, while statements on the sanctions situation will be delivered during bilateral and multilateral meetings.”
Besides campaigning using the media, Zimbabwe hired an American company on a US$500,000 deal to lobby for the removal of sanctions.
Western countries have however maintained and even updated the sanctions demanding reforms from Zimbabwean authorities.
The theme of this year’s anti-sanctions solidarity day is “Friend to All, Enemy to none: Forging Ahead and Enhancing Innovation and Productivity in Adversity of Sanctions”.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to offer a keynote address during the Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day.
