US imposes sanctions on Zimbabwean President and First Lady for alleged corruption and human rights violations

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa and first lady Auxillia, along with other high-ranking officials, have been hit with new US sanctions. These sanctions also target individuals accused of corruption and human rights violations. Among those sanctioned are Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri, senior security officials, and businesspeople. Washington has singled them out for their alleged involvement in corruption and serious human rights abuses.

The US has announced new sanctions targeting the assets of Zimbabwean officials and prohibiting American financial institutions from conducting transactions with them. These sanctions are replacing a program that was implemented over twenty years ago.

Back in 2003, the US imposed sanctions on over 70 prominent Zimbabwean government officials, including the then-president Robert Mugabe. The US accused them of undermining democracy in the struggling nation.

President Mnangagwa, who is 81 years old and previously served as the speaker of the Zimbabwean parliament in 2003, was one of 76 high-ranking officials affected by US sanctions.

US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Wally Adeyemo, made it clear on Monday that the new sanctions are not meant to harm the people of Zimbabwe. Instead, they are directed at specific targets, such as President Mnangagwa's group of government officials and businesspeople who are most responsible for corruption or human rights violations in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe has a long history of forced disappearances and deaths of political activists dating back to the 80s.

Zimbabwe has a long history of forced disappearances and deaths of political activists dating back to the 80s.

STR/AFP/Getty Images

Related article

Zimbabwe opposition party reports activist found dead after abduction. The US Treasury Department announced that sanctions on Zimbabwean officials have been lifted. This decision came after US President Joe Biden approved an executive action on Monday revoking the sanctions.

The Zimbabwean government spokesperson, Nick Mnangagwa, expressed approval of Biden's decision to lift the previous US sanctions. However, he criticized the new sanctions as "illegal."

In a post on X Monday, the government spokesman hailed the removal of sanctions as a significant moment and a validation of President Mnangagwa's foreign policy.

As long as our President, members of the First Family, and senior leadership are under sanctions, Zimbabwe is still under illegal sanctions. The spokesperson for the ruling Zanu-PF party, Farai Marapira, emphasized the need for the new sanctions to be removed unequivocally. And as long as members of Corporate Zimbabwe are also under sanctions, the whole country is affected by the sanctions.

Marapira emphasized that despite the removal of many individuals, Zimbabwe will still be under sanctions if the President, the First Lady, and other senior officials remain sanctioned. He stressed the need for all sanctions to be lifted in order for the country to be free from this burden.

Mnangagwa won a second term in office last August after winning an absolute majority in a presidential election that was marked by delays and deemed to have not met regional and international standards by observers.

Zimbabwe has been facing a range of economic difficulties lately, such as high inflation, a declining local currency, and a growing cost-of-living challenge.

Despite being abundant in gold, diamonds, and lithium, almost half of Zimbabwe's people live in severe poverty, getting by on less than $1.90 a day. Additionally, the country is burdened with billions of dollars in debt arrears.

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa won a second term in office, after a disputed election that international observers said fell short of democratic standards.

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa won a second term in office, after a disputed election that international observers said fell short of democratic standards.

Jekesai Njikizana/AFP/Getty Images/File

Related article

Zimbabwe’s president is facing backlash for appointing his son and nephew as government ministers. The US has accused Mnangagwa of being involved in corrupt practices, particularly in the alleged smuggling of the country’s mineral deposits.

"Mnangagwa is accused of protecting smugglers in Zimbabwe and instructing officials to help sell gold and diamonds on illegal markets in exchange for bribes. His human rights record and alleged suppression of political dissidents have also been highlighted."

"The US government stated that Mnangagwa is in charge of Zimbabwe's security services, which have been involved in the violent repression of political opponents and civil society groups."

Auxillia Mnangagwa, the wife of Mnangagwa, was also sanctioned for her alleged involvement in corruption.

Mnangagwa, who is known as “The Crocodile,” took over from Mugabe in 2017 after playing a key role in the coup that removed him from power.

Editor's P/S:

The imposition of new US sanctions on Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other high-ranking officials raises concerns about the country's political and economic future. While the stated aim of the sanctions is to target corruption and human rights violations, they have the potential to further isolate Zimbabwe and exacerbate its economic challenges. It is crucial that the international community works with Zimbabwe to address these issues without resorting to measures that could further destabilize the country.

The sanctions also highlight the complex history of US-Zimbabwe relations. The US has long been critical of Zimbabwe's human rights record and governance, and the sanctions are a reflection of this ongoing tension. It is important for the US to engage with Zimbabwe in a constructive manner, recognizing both its challenges and its potential. By working together, the US and Zimbabwe can build a more positive and mutually beneficial relationship.