Trump hits ED, Zimbabwe with tough US sanctions

WASHINGTON: The United States of America President Donald Trump has signed into law the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Amendment Act.

The Bill was passed by the United States Congress in July and sets tough conditions for Zimbabwe to re-engage with the United States of America.

The Zidera act means that Zimbabwe’s economy is likely to continue suffering as sanctions will continue. In a statement, the White House said,

On Wednesday, August 8, 2018, the President signed into law:

S. 2779, the “Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Amendment Act of 2018,” which amends the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001.

The sanctions comes few days after a UK MP pleaded with western countries not to engage with Zimbabwe until when Constantino Chiwenga relinquishes control of Zimbabwe military.

Donald Trump’s stance could have been influenced by the death of bystanders who lost their lives when soldiers from the Presidential Guard opened fire at the back of fleeing protesters.

The sanctions affect the country’s ability to access loans from multilateral institutions like World Bank and the International Monetary Fund(IMF).

Trump’s government went on war mode after it got news that a prominent MDC Alliance politician was betrayed by his Zambian hosts after he crossed the border to seek sanctuary in the neighbouring country.

The US then made a strong statement making it clear that Mnangagwa’s government is now responsible for Tendai Biti’s safety and welfare:

“We are also deeply concerned that Zambia chose to hand over former Minister of Finance Tendai Biti to the Zimbabwean authorities, and in the face of a reported Zambian court order blocking his expulsion from Zambia.

“This decision is particularly disheartening given the courage that Zambia showed in sheltering thousands of Zimbabwean freedom fighters from Rhodesian aggression in the days of Zimbabwe’s independence struggle. We will be discussing this matter with Zambia’s leaders and reviewing certain aspects of our cooperation with the Zambian government.

“The Government of Zimbabwe is now responsible for Tendai Biti’s safety and welfare. We call on Zimbabwe’s leaders to guarantee Mr. Biti’s physical safety and ensure his constitutional and human rights are respected, consistent with the rule of law and Zimbabwe’s international obligations and commitments,” said the statement issued by Trump’s government.