The United States has escalated its stance by posting a series of tweets on X, claiming that it has not sanctioned Zimbabwe as a whole, but only 11 individuals and one entity. The U.S. further alleges that it is corruption and supposed human rights abuses that are causing economic hardships in Zimbabwe—a claim that many dismiss as false and misleading.
The U.S. continues to show blatant disregard for diplomatic norms by using social media to undermine Zimbabwe’s fight against the illegal, unilateral sanctions imposed on the country. These posts, meant to deflect blame, disrespect Zimbabwe as the host nation and add insult to injury amid ongoing efforts to recover from the economic strangulation caused by the sanctions.
Contrary to U.S. claims, the truth is that the U.S. has imposed severe and punitive sanctions on Zimbabwe. Beyond the initial Executive Order sanctions, the U.S. tightened the sanctions regime through the Magnitsky Act, further compounding the damage. These measures are in addition to the existing Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA), which prevents U.S. citizens from supporting any lines of credit to Zimbabwe through global financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The decision by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to designate October 25 as Zimbabwe’s Anti-Sanctions Day reflects the region’s solidarity with Zimbabwe in opposing these sanctions. It is, therefore, disingenuous and arrogant for the U.S. to claim it has not imposed illegal unilateral sanctions on the country, especially when the effects are clearly visible.
Sanctions have wreaked havoc on Zimbabwe’s economy, crippling livelihoods and dimming the prospects of millions, particularly the youth. As Zimbabwe continues to pursue its foreign policy of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none” under the New Dispensation, the least the U.S. could do is remain silent instead of provoking a nation that seeks peace and cooperation through its engagement, re-engagement, and reaffirmation strategies.
