African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has renewed calls for the swift and unconditional removal of all unilateral Western sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
In a statement on Sunday, Youssouf reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering solidarity with Zimbabwe and its people, echoing the stance adopted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
In February 2002 the European Union imposed “targeted” sanctions on Zimbabwe, accusing the government of Zimbabwe of engaging in serious violations of human rights as well as violations of the freedom of opinion, freedom of association and freedom of assembly.
The sanctions included an arms embargo as well as travel and financial sanctions. The embargo has been regularly extended and is currently in force until 20 February 2026.
Youssouf expressed profound concern over the continued negative impact of these coercive measures, which have persisted for too long.
“These unilateral sanctions represent a significant impediment to the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region,” said 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,” he said.
The chairperson emphasised 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.
Youssouf reiterated the AU’s unwavering commitment to mobilising support for Zimbabwe until these punitive measures are fully lifted, allowing the country to realise its full potential for the prosperity of its people and the continent.
