Pan-African Parliament President Calls for Immediate Lifting of Sanctions on Zimbabwe

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, has renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional removal of economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, describing them as “illegal, unjust, and contrary to the spirit of Pan-African solidarity.”

In a statement marking Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Day, Chief Charumbira said the embargo has “undermined Zimbabwe’s development and caused untold suffering to its people.” He emphasized that the sanctions were a punitive measure imposed after Zimbabwe reclaimed its land and heritage from colonial control.

“Zimbabwe and its people have demonstrated unshakeable resilience and unity of purpose in the face of this unwarranted embargo,” he said. “We commend the SADC Region for standing firmly with Zimbabwe and making a bold declaration that no country should ever be held ransom for asserting its sovereignty and reclaiming its heritage.”

A Call for Continental Unity

Chief Charumbira urged all 55 Member States of the African Union to be guided by the African philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — and to act in solidarity with Zimbabwe.

“Motivated by this timeless African value, we must stand with Zimbabwe and reaffirm that none of us suffers or thrives in isolation,” he noted. “Our humanity is intricately intertwined, and the chains that link our fate are stronger than any borders that divide us.”

The PAP President’s message echoed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) position that sanctions are an impediment not only to Zimbabwe’s progress but also to regional integration and economic transformation. He reiterated that the lifting of sanctions would “unlock Zimbabwe’s unbridled potential and accelerate the nation’s contribution to continental prosperity.”

Pan-African Solidarity in Action

Since 2019, the 25th of October has been recognized by SADC as Anti-Sanctions Day, a regional platform for collective advocacy against unilateral coercive measures imposed on Zimbabwe. The day underscores Africa’s growing consensus that sanctions violate the principles of sovereignty, equality, and non-interference enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the UN Charter.

Chief Charumbira concluded with a rallying call:

“Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. Let us rise as One Africa, with One Voice, speaking boldly for justice for Zimbabwe and its people.”

Key Takeaways

• PAP joins SADC in calling for the immediate and unconditional removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
• Chief Charumbira frames the issue as one of sovereignty, justice, and Pan-African unity.
• The call aligns with AU and SADC efforts to promote economic independence and regional integration.
• October 25 is officially commemorated as SADC Anti-Sanctions Day.