US imposes sanctions on Zimbabwe's president

The United States has taken tough action against Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and several senior officials, accused of serious violations of political, economic and human rights, as well as corruption after the elections.

The United States announced on Monday the imposition of sanctions against Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other senior officials following allegations of gross violations of political, economic and human rights after the elections. The sanctions, according to Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the National Security Council, are intended to punish key actors, including government leaders, for misusing public resources for personal gain, thereby contributing to a global network of corruption, smuggling and money laundering.

The US Treasury Department has designated three entities and eleven individuals, including President Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Brigadier General (ret.) Walter Tapfumaneyi and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, under the Executive Order 13818, for their alleged involvement in cases of corruption or serious human rights violations.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed that these sanctions are part of a policy of stronger and more targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe. He also called on the government of Zimbabwe to embark on a path towards more open and democratic governance, urging the fight against corruption and the protection of human rights for the well-being of all Zimbabweans .

In response, Zimbabwean Information Minister Nick Mangwana stressed that as long as top leaders remain under sanctions, all of Zimbabwean society will suffer.