This article explores why the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Reconstruction Act (ZDERA) cannot be classified as a sanction. It delves into the legal and practical distinctions between sanctions and the provisions of ZDERA, highlighting Zimbabweβs debt challenges, its historical ties to multilateral loans, and its intervention in the Congo. The post also examines how ZDERA differs from traditional US sanctions, clarifying key legal aspects, and questions Zimbabwe’s current fiscal strategies. Written by Rutendo Matinyarare, the article provides a critical perspective on Zimbabwe’s economic landscape.
The Zimbabwean government must act to secure fire engines withheld by Lithuania under EU sanctions, as per ICJ and Maastricht Principles on human rights obligations. These principles mandate Lithuania to protect Zimbabweans’ rights to emergency services. If diplomacy fails, Zimbabwe can pursue legal action, including reparations. Additionally, Zimbabwe has a duty to protect its citizens from toxic GMOs smuggled from South Africa, enforcing human rights and food safety laws.
Zimbabwe must pursue reparations for illegal U.S. sanctions, which deprived civilians of basic human rights, as confirmed by a U.S. Congress report. With the law on Zimbabwe’s side, including ICJ guidelines on state responsibility for human rights violations, these reparations could restore infrastructure, compensate farmers, and strengthen the economy. International lawyers are ready to represent Zimbabwe in seeking justice for these sanctions-induced violations.
