THE United States Embassy in Harare has paid Google to flood Zimpapers’ news websites with adverts to counter the live coverage of the anti-sanctions campaign spearheaded by President Mnangagwa in Bulawayo today.
“It’s corruption, not sanctions,” reads the advert, which seeks to convince Zimbabweans that their economic challenges are the result of government corruption rather than the illegal sanctions imposed by Western nations. The sanctions were implemented in response to policies such as the land reform programme, which aimed to redistribute land from white commercial farmers to black Zimbabweans.
The sanctions, which have been in place for over two decades, have had a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s economy, leading to widespread poverty and economic instability. Despite these challenges, the nation has fought back with home-driven development initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of the sanctions.
The anti-sanctions campaign, led by President Mnangagwa, highlights the detrimental effects of these sanctions on ordinary Zimbabweans. The government argues that the sanctions are illegal and have been used as a tool to undermine Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and economic progress. The campaign seeks to rally support both domestically and internationally for the removal of these sanctions.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has also shown solidarity with Zimbabwe, designating October 25 as Anti-Sanctions Day to raise awareness and call for the lifting of the sanctions. This year’s theme, “Embracing Innovation Towards Vision 2030: The Relentless Fight Against Illegal Sanctions,” underscores the region’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in its quest for economic recovery and growth.