The United States has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other senior leaders, citing allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, News About Nigeria reports.
The sanctions were announced on Monday and the new measures will block any US-based property and restrict unofficial travel to the United States for Mnangagwa and the designated individuals.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo clarified that the sanctions specifically target Mnangagwa’s ‘criminal network’ of government officials and businesspeople responsible for corruption and human rights abuses.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Adeyemo stated, “The changes we are making today are intended to make clear what has always been true: our sanctions are not intended to target the people of Zimbabwe.”
He said that the focus is clear and specific targets to address corruption and human rights abuses against the people of Zimbabwe.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the new measures as part of a “stronger, more targeted sanctions policy” on Zimbabwe.
Blinken expressed concerns over “serious cases of corruption and human rights abuse” and stated that key people, including members of the government, bear responsibility for actions such as the looting of government coffers.
After more than 40 years in power, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s party was declared the victor of a new term in an August election that was condemned by foreign observers for not meeting democratic criteria.
This move makes him the second consecutive Zimbabwean leader to face US sanctions, following the era of veteran president Robert Mugabe.
The recent sanctions is part of Biden administration’s commitment to addressing alleged human rights abuses and corruption in Zimbabwe.
It focuses on targeted measures against specific individuals rather than a broad approach affecting the general population.
President Joe Biden’s decision on Monday also marked the end of an earlier sanctions program on Zimbabwe that was imposed in 2003 under the administration of George W. Bush.
