The EU has renewed its sanctions regimes against Zimbabwe by a further year to 20 February 2026, but removed the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI) from its sanctions list. However, “the embargo on arms and equipment which might be used for internal repression remains in place.”
It is sad that the EU continues to renew its unilateral and illegal sanctions regime against Harare and its people. Zimbabwe, SADC and AU continue to call for the unconditional removal of sanctions against a sovereign nation – Zimbabwe.
The piecemeal removal of the ZDI, while retaining the arms embargo against Zimbabwe smacks of ridiculous tokenism and a slap in the face of the New Dispensation’s engagement, re-engagement and re-affirmation drive, anchored on the mantra, Zimbabwe is a friend for all and an enemy of none. Zimbabwe reserves the right to freely purchase arms to defend itself from internal and external threats to its national security.
The sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe perpetuate a detrimental impact on human rights, as they restrict access to essential goods and services. This disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, exacerbating their already precarious situations. Moreover, the sanctions have crippled Zimbabwe’s economy, devastating the livelihoods of ordinary citizens far more than the intended targets, rendering them unjust, cruel, and inherently unfair.
