The US has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa for corruption and human rights abuses.
The directive extends to other high-ranking officials in the nation, freezing their assets in the US and prohibiting their unofficial travel to the country.
These new sanctions replace a broader program implemented two decades ago.
“We continue to witness gross abuses of political, economic, and human rights,” the White House said in a statement.
“The targeting of civil society and severe restrictions on political activity have stifled fundamental freedoms, while key actors, including government leaders, have siphoned off public resources for personal gains.”
“These illicit activities support and contribute to a global criminal network of bribery, smuggling, and money laundering that impoverish communities in Zimbabwe, southern Africa, and other parts of the world,” it added.
Meanwhile, Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, mentioned “numerous instances of abductions, physical mistreatment, and unlawful killings” in Zimbabwe, which have instilled fear in people.
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The White House also stated its commitment to “redirecting and intensifying its endeavours to hold those individuals and organizations accountable for this exploitation.”
SOURCE: BBC
