Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his wife, Auxillia, have been targeted with new US sanctions, along with other senior government officials, for their alleged involvement in corruption and human rights abuses. This move is part of a broader effort by the US to hold individuals accountable for such actions.
(fada247) - The sanctions, imposed by Washington, aim to freeze the assets of the designated officials and prevent American financial institutions from conducting transactions with them. This action replaces a previous sanctions program that had been in place for over two decades.
In 2003, the US imposed sanctions on over 70 high-profile Zimbabwean government officials, including then-President Robert Mugabe, accusing them of undermining democracy. President Mnangagwa himself was among those targeted by the sanctions at that time, while he served as the Speaker of the Zimbabwean parliament.
US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Wally Adeyemo, clarified that these new sanctions are not intended to harm the people of Zimbabwe but are specifically aimed at individuals involved in corruption or human rights abuses, particularly within President Mnangagwa's inner circle.
The US Treasury Department announced the lifting of previous sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean officials after President Joe Biden approved an executive action revoking them. However, a spokesperson for the Zimbabwean government described the new sanctions as illegal, emphasizing that as long as key figures like the President and First Lady remain sanctioned, Zimbabwe is still affected.
The ruling Zanu-PF party also called for the removal of all sanctions, stating that the country remains burdened by this "illegality" as long as top officials are sanctioned. Despite Mnangagwa's reelection for a second term, Zimbabwe continues to grapple with economic challenges, including high inflation and a deteriorating quality of life for many citizens.
The US accuses Mnangagwa of involvement in corrupt practices, including the smuggling of mineral deposits, and highlights his alleged repression of political dissidents. His wife, Auxillia Mnangagwa, is also targeted for her alleged complicity in corruption.
Mnangagwa, known as "The Crocodile," took power in 2017 following a coup that ousted Mugabe, promising a new era for Zimbabwe. However, these recent sanctions underscore ongoing concerns about governance and human rights in the country.