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Southern Africa Embassies call for immediate, unconditional lifting of economic sanctions on Zimbabwe
Southern Africa Embassies call for immediate, unconditional lifting of economic sanctions on Zimbabwe
Embassies of countries in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) in Nigeria have again called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the prolonged economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe by the United States of America (USA) in 2001 and the European Union (EU) in 2002.
The Embassies in Nigeria, of countries of Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Namibia, South-Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe in a joint statement released on Sunday in Abuja to mark the 20th years of imposition of the sanctions, said: “Despite efforts made by Zimbabwean authorities towards engagement and rapprochement with estranged countries, guided by the belief that the country should be a “Friend to All and Enemy to None”, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have not reciprocated the same hand of friendship. Instead, at the beginning of each year, they have unjustifiably extended the illegal sanctions which have adverse consequences on the lives of ordinary people in Zimbabwe.”
The Embassies said: “Far from the narrative in the western media that the sanctions on Zimbabwe are ring-fenced and targeted at a few individuals, the impact of the sanctions is felt throughout the economy and the region beyond. The sanctions limit Zimbabwe’s access to lines of credit, in the process weakening the country’s balance of payment position. Sanctions have also impacted on Zimbabwe’s ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which is essential for economic growth. As such, many Zimbabwean companies have crumbled after failing to access much needed capital resulting in large-scale retrenchment of workers and high rate of unemployment. Subsequently, Zimbabwe has suffered from brain drain as most of its skilled workers move to neighbouring countries and beyond in search of job opportunities. The sanctions also have adverse downstream effects on key socio-economic sectors including health. They have created a vicious circle of poverty in Zimbabwe that has led to poverty-related deaths from failed healthcare and other systems, and even hunger.”
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They added that: “Despite the debilitating effects of these punitive measures, the Zimbabwe Government has made tremendous efforts to implement political, economic, and other reforms for the betterment of Zimbabwean society. The Government and the people of Zimbabwe have shown great resilience and fortitude, with the support of their SADC neighbours and other friendly and well-meaning nations to survive the near two decades of western imposed sanctions. The Government of Zimbabwe has also embarked on an ambitious development agenda, in line with the SADC Region’s development plans, but finds its initiatives hampered by the sanctions.”
The Embassies claimed the sanctions in themselves are outdated and irrelevant to the situation prevailing in Zimbabwe which is why SADC Missions in Abuja join our brother and sisters in the region and around the world on 25 October each year to unequivocally call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe.
They however called on the government and people of Nigeria to lend their voices and support to the noble cause, noting that: “An injustice to one of us is injustice to all of us.”
Southern Africa Embassies call for immediate, unconditional lifting of economic sanctions on Zimbabwe
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
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Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
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