Imagine a world where economic barriers are thrown up like invisible walls, stifling the growth of entire nations and hindering their path to prosperity. That's the stark reality facing Zimbabwe and parts of Africa due to unilateral sanctions—and trust me, this isn't just a minor hiccup; it's a major roadblock to progress. But here's where it gets controversial: Are these sanctions truly about enforcing global norms, or do they unfairly target developing countries, potentially undermining the very principles of international cooperation? Stick around as we dive deeper into this issue, because there's a lot most people miss about the broader implications for Africa.
Statement by Ambassador Dr. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, AU Permanent Representative to China, at the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, held on November 11, 2025, in Beijing, China—organized under the auspices of the African Union - Peace and Security Department.
Dear Excellencies and Distinguished Guests,
I'd like to warmly greet you all on behalf of H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and myself. First, allow me to address the esteemed Madam Abigail Shoniwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to China—our dear sister in this shared mission. Next, Excellency Jean Louis Robinson, Deputy Dean of the SADC Group of Ambassadors and Ambassador of Madagascar to China, whose leadership we greatly appreciate. And of course, Mr. Cheng Yan, Minister Counsellor in the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, thank you for your presence.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In a powerful statement released on October 26 to commemorate the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day, the Chairperson of the AU Commission strongly reaffirmed the AU's demand for the immediate and complete removal of all unilateral sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe. This stance perfectly aligns with SADC's enduring opposition to such measures. The Chairperson went on to explain that these ongoing sanctions have inflicted deep and persistent socio-economic damage, severely limiting Zimbabwe's ability to tap into global financial resources, deterring potential foreign investors, and driving up the expenses associated with conducting business throughout the region. He declared unequivocally that 'these unilateral sanctions pose a major obstacle to the socio-economic advancement of Zimbabwe and the wider SADC area.'
To put this in simpler terms for those new to the topic, think of sanctions like a chain around the ankles of a runner trying to compete in a marathon—they don't just slow you down; they prevent you from reaching your full potential. These actions not only hinder inclusive growth but also distort the economic fabric of regional markets and erode Zimbabwe's ability to build industries, foster innovation, and increase value in a system governed by fair, multilateral rules. For beginners wondering why this matters, imagine if a country couldn't easily import the machinery needed to manufacture goods or access loans to build factories—that's the kind of bottleneck we're talking about, which ripples out to affect jobs, trade, and overall stability.
Excellencies, I'd like to emphasize that the AU's position on this has remained steadfast for over a decade. Back in February 2009, the Assembly of the African Union urged the swift removal of sanctions targeting Zimbabwe. By June 2023, the Peace and Security Council advocated for vigorous campaigns against unilateral sanctions wherever they appear on the African continent. And in December 2022, during the High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security, the PSC's framework document encouraged Member States to reject sanctions that clash with international law.
The underlying message here is crystal clear and unwavering: unilateral sanctions stand in the way of Africa's development and chip away at the trustworthiness of global multilateralism. They jack up the price of borrowing money, cut off pathways to investment, and introduce uncertainty into the business landscape. When these elements are disrupted, it impacts recovery efforts, regional competitiveness, and the drive toward economic unity across Africa. And this is the part most people miss—these sanctions aren't just punitive; they create a domino effect where one country's struggles affect neighbors, like how a drought in one area can starve the soil elsewhere.
This year's SADC theme underscores this very truth. Industrialization—the process of transforming raw materials into finished products and building self-sufficient economies—demands access to technology, equipment, expertise, and cross-border collaborations. If these essential channels are blocked, delayed, or inflated in cost, Zimbabwe and SADC's ambitious plans for transformation simply can't take flight. For example, consider how sanctions might prevent Zimbabwe from importing advanced farming tools to boost agriculture or from partnering with international firms for mining innovations—without these, the dream of a thriving, industrialized SADC remains out of reach.
As many of you know, industrialization is the beating heart of Agenda 2063, the African Union's bold blueprint for the continent's future, envisioning a prosperous, integrated Africa by 2063. That's why the AU, alongside SADC and Zimbabwe, is pushing for partnerships that propel this goal forward, not restrictive actions that pull it back. The African Union thus restates its firm conviction that unilateral sanctions against Zimbabwe—or any African nation—have no role in a fair, rules-based international framework. Lifting them would unleash untapped potential not just in Zimbabwe, but across SADC and the entire continent, accelerating strides toward the Africa we all envision in Agenda 2063: a place of unity, innovation, and shared success.
In wrapping up, let me renew the Chairperson’s resolute dedication to rallying support for Zimbabwe until every punitive measure is abolished. This will empower the country to unlock its true developmental promise, benefiting its citizens, SADC, and Africa as a whole.
Thank you sincerely for your attentive listening.
Posted by Paschal Chem Langhee
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COMMENTS
Now, to stir up some thought: Do unilateral sanctions genuinely promote global accountability, or do they sometimes mask political agendas that harm vulnerable nations? And here's a controversial twist—some argue that while sanctions aim to pressure governments, they often hurt everyday people more, raising questions about their ethics in a multilateral world. What are your thoughts? Do you believe sanctions are a necessary tool for international diplomacy, or should Africa explore alternative paths to address grievances? Share your agreements, disagreements, or fresh perspectives in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!
