The government of the United States has slammed sanctions on the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, along with other senior officials, over corruption allegations and human rights abuses.
The US government on Monday claimed that they can confirm that leaders in Zimbabwe were siphoning off public resources for personal gain.
This move scraps the old executive sanction order introduced in 2003 and moves 11 individuals and three entities onto the global list – the Global Magnitsky sanctions program.
“These illicit activities support and contribute to a global criminal network of bribery, smuggling, and money laundering that impoverish communities in Zimbabwe, southern Africa, and other parts of the world,” a statement said.
The US also criticised the targeting of civil society and severe restrictions on political activity.
Read Also: I Won’t Stop My Fight Against Corruption In Nigeria — Tinubu
As well as President Mnangagwa, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei have also been sanctioned.
Mr Mnangaga’s wife, Auxillia Mnangagwa, was also hit with sanctions because she “facilitates her husband’s corrupt activities”.
The US government said the egregious behaviour of some of the most powerful people and companies in Zimbabwe matched the actions of the worst human rights abusers and corrupt actors in the world.
The US assured that “sanctions on theses individuals and entities do not represent sanctions on Zimbabwe or its public”.
Africa Today News, New York reports that the government of Zimbabwe is yet to comment on the latest allegations but has dismissed previous sanctions as part of a Western plot to bring about political change.
Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has reiterated that his administration will not give up in its efforts aimed at addressing corruption and other vices because it is a sacred duty to ensure that the country is set right for the prosperity of all Nigerians.