European Union Extends Sanctions On Zimbabwe
The European Union (EU) on Tuesday, 28 February 2023, extended its sanctions on Zimbabwe by a year.
The EU said it will continue to closely follow developments in the country with particular attention to the human rights situation.
The Insider reported that EU sanctions on Zimbabwe are an arms embargo and assets freeze against the Zimbabwe Defence Industries. A statement released by the EU reads in part:
The remaining restrictive measures in place do not affect the people of Zimbabwe, its economy, foreign direct investments, or trade.
Zimbabwe continues to benefit from duty-free and quota-free access to its exports to the EU, while negotiations are ongoing to deepen the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Economic Partnership Agreement.
There is significant potential in terms of investments and job opportunities, provided that the government promote political and economic reforms, facilitate a conducive and more predictable business environment, tackle corruption and foster respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Together with EU member states the EU will continue to support Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 in particular on (i) Gender equality and women empowerment and (ii) Greener and climate-smart agriculture, with over €400 million until 2025.
The EU expressed reservations over the Data Protection Act, the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged “patriotic provisions” in the Criminal Law Amendment Bill.
The EU also expressed concern over the Zimbabwean government’s failure to implement the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry and bring to account the perpetrators of violations that occurred in January 2019.
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