Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has condemned the violence that took place in Zimbabwe. It was due to the country’s government announced an oil price hike.
SADC noted that in an effort to address the economic challenges in the country, the government increased fuel prices according to a statement by Hage. G Geingob.
“Unfortunately, violent demonstrators rode on the back of increases in fuel prices, to implement their intention to destabilize the country,” Geingob said. “The demonstration resulted in the destruction of property and loss of life.”
“SADC condemns, in the strongest terms, the violence that ensued, and expresses sympathy with the affected families for the loss of loved one and their properties.”
SADC also noted that the government’s efforts to transform the economy and bring about prosperity to the people of Zimbabwe are negatively affected by the illegal sanctions that were imposed on the country since 2000.
The United States of America (USA) and European Union (EU) put Zimbabwe under economic sanctions siting human rights abuses during former President Robert Mugabe era.
“SADC expresses its solidarity with the government and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and calls upon the international community to unconditionally lift all sanctions imposed on the country,” said Geingob.
The US has not changed its stance on sanctions against Zimbabwe stating that Zimbabwe should implement reforms for penalties to be removed.
“The SADC Heads of State and Government noted that since coming to power, the new Government of Zimbabwe has continued with concerted efforts to address socio-economic challenges and transform the economy, particularly through the Zimbabwe Transitional Stabilisation Programme (2018-2020) and to consolidate unity and peace in the country,” Geingob said.
“This, notwithstanding, some internal groups, in particular, NGOs supported by external forces, have continued with efforts to destabilise the country.”
