Should western sanctions on Zimbabwean entities be lifted?
United Nations special rapporteur urges end to measures imposed by US, EU and UK.
Sanctions were placed on individuals and entities in Zimbabwe in 2003.
The United States, European Union and United Kingdom imposed them after accusing politicians and entities of human rights abuses and repressing democracy.
But Zimbabwe says the sanctions have led to widespread misery.
The UN’s special rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures agrees.
Zimbabwe’s government invited Alena Douhan to visit for 10 days.
After speaking with ministers, civil society organisations and businesses, Douhan called for the sanctions to end, saying they’ve worsened people’s access to healthcare, food, education and employment.
But are sanctions to blame for Zimbabwe’s troubles?
Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom
Guests:
Obert Gutu – Former Zimbabwean deputy minister of justice and legal affairs
Piers Pigou – International Crisis Group’s senior consultant for Southern Africa
Ibbo Mandaza – Director, Southern African Political Economy Series Trust