Zimbabwe Roundup: US sanctions, ZiG, diaspora remittances

AU and SADC urge US to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe

The African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) have called for the unconditional lifting of US sanctions on Zimbabwe, citing their detrimental impact on the country's socio-economic development. Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasised that these sanctions undermine regional integration and harm ordinary Zimbabweans. Anti-Sanctions Day was observed with protests outside the US Embassy in Harare, where demonstrators blamed the sanctions for economic hardships. However, the U.S. Embassy rejected this assertion, attributing Zimbabwe’s economic crisis to government corruption and mismanagement, stating that sanctions target only a few individuals and companies, not the general population.

IMF warns ZiG cannot solve Zimbabwe’s economic crisis

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that Zimbabwe’s new gold-backed currency, the ZiG, cannot resolve the country’s deeper economic issues. IMF Africa Director Abebe Selassie emphasised that exchange rate problems often stem from inflation, not the other way around. Despite intentions to stabilise the economy, the ZiG has lost value, leading to a 43% devaluation last month. On the official market, the ZiG is valued at 27.68 per dollar, but the unofficial rate ranges from 40 to 50. Zimbabwe's monthly inflation surged to 37.2% in October, highlighting ongoing economic instability tied to a lack of confidence in monetary and fiscal policies.

Pressure mounted on President Mnangagwa to release jailed activists

Zimbabweans in the UK protested at the Zimbabwean Embassy, demanding the release of jailed opposition activists from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and other human rights violations. The demonstration, organised by CCC UK and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO), led to a petition submitted to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to pressure President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for their release. Over 100 activists were reportedly arrested before the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, with many still imprisoned. The petition calls for an end to the crackdown on opposition members, accountability for human rights violations, and support for a diaspora vote for the estimated six million Zimbabweans living abroad who are currently denied voting rights.

$16.3 billion in diaspora remittances in the last decade

Zimbabwe has received $16.3 billion in diaspora remittances over the past decade, largely from over three million Zimbabweans living abroad. These remittances are essential for supporting families amid economic challenges and contribute significantly to the national economy. Public Service Minister July Moyo noted that most remittances come from South Africa (47%), followed by the UK (23%), the US (11%), and others. He emphasised the need for improved labour protections, citing violations in sectors like mining, and called for a stronger social protection system to assist vulnerable populations. Moyo highlighted the importance of timely funding from the Treasury to ensure the effectiveness of social programmes.

Botswana opposition protest at Zimbabwe Embassy over alleged election interference

Hundreds of supporters from Botswana’s opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), protested outside the Zimbabwean embassy in Gaborone, demanding Zimbabwe refrain from interfering in Botswana's upcoming general elections on October 30. Led by UDC President Duma Boko, demonstrators voiced concerns about potential external influence affecting the electoral process. The protest followed allegations of Zimbabwean officials potentially trying to influence the election, though no specific evidence has been provided. In response, a Zimbabwean government spokesperson denied any interference, citing respect for Botswana's sovereignty. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has offered to send observers to ensure a fair electoral process. The situation has sparked a wider discussion in Botswana about electoral integrity and democratic rights, with calls for vigilance among citizens as the elections approach.