On the occasion of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has once again issued a firm and unequivocal call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of all unilateral sanctions imposed against the Republic of Zimbabwe.

The AUC Chairperson reaffirms the African Union’s full solidarity with Zimbabwe and its people and aligns the continental body completely with the position articulated by SADC. He expressed profound concern over the continued negative impact of these coercive measures, which have persisted for far too long.

“These unilateral sanctions represent a significant impediment to the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region,” stated H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. “They have severely constrained Zimbabwe’s access to international finance, deterred foreign direct investment, and increased the cost of doing business, thereby undermining our collective efforts to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

The AUC Chairperson emphasized that the sanctions have directly hampered Zimbabwe’s progress towards its national development strategy, Vision 2030, and have negatively affected regional macroeconomic convergence and integration targets within SADC.

In conclusion, the AUC Chairperson reiterated the African Union’s unwavering commitment to continue mobilizing support for the brotherly nation of Zimbabwe until these punitive measures are fully lifted, allowing the country to realize its full potential for the prosperity of its people and the continent.

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Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia