US Removes Old Sanctions and Imposes New Sanctions on Zimbabwean Officials

The United States has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, his wife, and several senior government officials, citing their alleged involvement in corruption and human rights abuses. These measures were announced by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), targeting eleven individuals and three entities, including Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, and Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri.

The sanctions, enacted under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, aim to hold accountable those responsible for corruption and serious human rights violations. Mnangagwa is accused of shielding gold and diamond smugglers, directing officials to facilitate illegal trade, and accepting bribes. His wife, Auxillia Mnangagwa, is also implicated in facilitating corrupt activities.

Additionally, businessman Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, a close ally of Mnangagwa, and his wife, Sandra Mpunga, along with their company Sakunda Holdings, are targeted for their role in facilitating state corruption. Other officials, including security personnel like Vice President Chiwenga and Defense Minister Muchinguri, are accused of orchestrating violent repression against political opponents and civil society groups.

The sanctions come as part of a broader shift in US policy towards Zimbabwe, with the termination of the previous sanctions program that had been in effect since 2003. The US aims to refocus its sanctions on specific targets associated with corruption and human rights abuses, rather than targeting the Zimbabwean people at large.

Read: The White House Executive Order

Read: U.S Department of State’s statement

The move has been met with mixed reactions. While the Zimbabwean government sees it as a victory for its foreign policy, the US emphasises the need for Zimbabwe to undertake key reforms to address concerns regarding democracy, human rights, and corruption.

The imposition of sanctions underscores ongoing concerns about democratic backsliding and government corruption in Zimbabwe. The US hopes that these measures will encourage the Zimbabwean government to take steps towards improving its record on human rights, governance, and anti-corruption efforts.

However, the effectiveness of these sanctions and their ability to bring about desired reforms in Zimbabwe’s governance remain to be seen.