The European Union has renewed targeted sanctions against army aligned individuals and companies urging the government of Zimbabwe to institute political reforms to ease humanitarian and economic crisis.
The European bloc which also scrapped targeted sanctions against four individuals said it has renewed sanctions against the Zimbabwe Defence Industry, a state-owned arms manufacturing and procurement company based in Harare.
EU released a communique of its meeting on February 17 in Brussels which also called for the advancement of inclusive political dialogue and implementation of recommendations of the Motlanthe commission.
The late President Robert Mugabe was posthumously removed, while Grace Mugabe was placed on the list where measures are suspended together with Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga, Minister of Agriculture Perence Shiri and Commander of the Defense Forces Philip Valerio Sibanda.
EU said Zimbabwe is currently experiencing an acute humanitarian crisis, including a severe food security emergency further exacerbated by climate change, calling for the government to accelerate political and economic reform.
“The lack of substantial reforms, the further shrinking of democratic space and corruption, have however contributed to the current deteriorating humanitarian crisis and to the economic and social situation.
“The EU calls on the government to accelerate the political and economic reform process as a matter of urgency, for the benefit of its population. Perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses should swiftly be brought to justice and the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry should be implemented without further delay.
“The EU has decided to renew its arms embargo and to maintain a targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, for one year, taking into account the situation in Zimbabwe, including the yet to be investigated the alleged role of the armed and security forces in human rights abuses. .
“The restrictive measures against four individuals are suspended. The arms embargo, as well as the asset freeze against Zimbabwe Defence Industries, do not affect the Zimbabwean economy, foreign direct investment, or trade.
“They are motivated by the EU’s intention to encourage a demonstrable commitment by the Zimbabwean authorities to upholding the rule of law and human rights,” read part of the communique.
EU also called for an inclusive national dialogue to resolve the political impasse emanating from the controversial 2018 elections, disputed by the Movement for Democratic Change, the country’s biggest opposition party.
To this end, the EU said it will seek increased collaboration with the African Union and Southern Africa Development Corporation (SADC) to accelerate reforms and inclusive political dialogue.
“Sound political and economic governance are paramount if the business and investment climate in Zimbabwe is to be improved, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development are to be achieved.
“In addition, an inclusive national dialogue is key to finding structural and durable solutions to the challenges faced by Zimbabwe.
“The EU will seek increased collaboration with international partners, most importantly the African Union, SADC and its member countries, and international financial institutions, who can play a key role by supporting Zimbabwe in enabling an inclusive dialogue and in accelerating progress in reforms.”
