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In a surprise move on Monday, the US announced that it would terminate sanctions against Zimbabwe, ending a 21-year campaign introduced under the presidency of the late Robert Mugabe as punishment for corruption and human rights abuses.
The partial lifting of sanctions is not because of any improvement in corruption or human rights abuses but because of a change in strategy where the US intends to target the individuals and entities it deems responsible for these abuses.
Among those targeted by the US are Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga “for their involvement in corruption or serious human rights abuse”.
Also targeted are retired brigadier-general Walter Tapfumaneyi and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, one of Zimbabwe’s wealthiest businessmen. They are among the 11 individuals and three entities targeted by the US.
New tools
The US government says it is employing new tools in Zimbabwe, including the Global Magnitsky sanctions programme, “to make clear that the egregious behaviour of some of the most powerful people and companies in Zimbabwe matches the actions of the worst human rights abusers and corrupt actors globally”.
“In response to new and continuing corruption and serious human rights abuse, the United States is refocusing and elevating its efforts to hold accountable the individuals and entities that are responsible for this exploitation,” writes US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
