VENTURES AFRICA – In what came as a shocker to many, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe emerged Chair of the African Union (AU) at its last annual summit less than a month ago. Hopes had emerged that, based on the significance of his new office – which he juggles with the presidency of his country and the Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) – the European Union (EU) would lift previous travel sanctions imposed on him and his wife, First Lady Grace Mugabe. But reports have suggested the exact opposite.
The EU has renewed sanctions levied on the Mugabe family for another year, a move that can potentially destroy the rekindling of a relationship that was brewing between Zimbabwe and the bloc. According to a recent notice in the EU’s official journal, the decision, which was arrived at after “taking into account political developments in Zimbabwe,” would be maintained until 20th February, 2016.
“The application of the travel ban and asset freeze should be maintained for two persons and one entity. The suspension shall be reviewed every three months. This decision shall be kept under constant review and shall be extended, or amended as appropriate, if the council deems that its objectives have not been met,” the notice read.
Five deceased persons including Cdes Chindori-Chininga, Mike Karakadzai, Stanely Sakupwanya, Nathan Shamuyarira and Mr Lovemore Sekeramayi were removed from the list but one entity, the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (Pvt) Ltd, remained on the embargo list.
Development Analysts believe the maintenance of sanctions on the First Family showed “great contempt” for the people of Zimbabwe and Africa. In particular, Mr Christopher Gwatidzo, a Political Analyst, posited that the EU had undermined the confidence that was beginning to develop between the 28-member bloc and Zimbabwe.
“Considering the delegations from European countries that have been frequenting the country, it is now clear that these guys are not sincere when it comes to re-engagement. As we extend our hands for re-engagement, the EU should respect us, they should respect the SADC region and the African Union which have chosen President Mugabe to be their leader. We still demand their unconditional lifting on our leader. It is, however, clear that some countries, if not only one, are being arrogant and trying to defeat reality, but the truth of the matter is sanctions do not serve the EU and the people of Zimbabwe.” he said.
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Indeed, a number of European countries including France, Britain and Denmark had recently courted the southern African country, and delegations from German and Belgian companies are expected to arrive in a few weeks. A $270 million development package was also recently inked between the EU and Zimbabwe, hence the surprise at the former’s insistence on maintaining the ban.
“How can you say Mugabe might be free to come here on AU business, but he should not come as a Zimbabwean leader? That is imprudent because you can’t channel development to a government yet you do not like its leader. They should simply accept that President Mugabe is in charge,” asserted Mr Alexander Rusero, another Political Analyst.
Mr Mugabe remains a controversial figure in African and international politics owing to his refusal to relinquish the drivers’ seat of his country after more than three decades of his presidency. Last weekend, he clocked 91, attracting the praise and solidarity of some and the disdain of others.
