In a bid to address the longstanding issue of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, Bikita South MP Energy Mutodi of ZANU PF has put forth a motion in Parliament. The motion seeks to send a team of parliamentarians to the United States to request Congress to lift the sanctions that have been in place for over two decades.
The sanctions were initially imposed through the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) in 2001, citing concerns over human rights violations and electoral fraud during the late former President Robert Mugabe’s administration. These measures were triggered by the contentious land reform program, marked by violence targeting white farmers.
Mutodi’s proposal involves a high-powered delegation from Zimbabwe’s Parliament to advocate for the repeal of ZIDERA. He emphasized the need for swift action to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans affected by the sanctions.
In supporting his motion, Mutodi outlined key objectives for the delegation, including presenting a briefing paper to the US President and Congress, engaging with US lawmakers to lift the sanctions, and seeking international support at the United Nations to address the issue comprehensively.
