Zimbabwe: a country rich in natural resources under the yoke of sanctions

The southern African country of Zimbabwe is often overlooked as an Afro-English-speaking country. However, this country is of great importance and deserves our attention. Africa cannot be ignored, because events there have a global impact. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe has been going through a difficult period for many years.

For several decades now, Zimbabwe has been facing considerable economic and social challenges. The country is subject to international sanctions, mainly imposed by the United States and other Western countries. These sanctions, deemed unjust, have had a significant impact on the country’s economy, limiting access to the international banking system and hampering IMF aid.

What are the reasons for sanctions?

President Robert Mugabe, the world’s most intellectually equipped president with seven university degrees, who was in power at the time, unleashed a violent electoral crackdown 20 years ago. It was the United States and the European Union that imposed the sanctions on the United States. Their decision was a response to the country’s controversial land reform program, which involved seizing land from privileged white farmers and redistributing it to landless black farmers. The government justified its decision by claiming that it was intended to correct a historical injustice. The real reason for the Western sanctions was that the African country, under the leadership of former president Robert Mugabe, did not recognize the domination of the USA and Europe. What’s more, Zimbabwe enjoyed good relations with Russia, something that displeased the West.

A Lire: International cooperation: Zimbabwe strengthens its partnership with Russia

Sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe persist

In addition, the crackdown mainly targeted the country’s elite, resulting in asset freezes, travel bans and other punitive measures that had a lasting impact on the Zimbabwean economy. These sanctions are a form of punishment inflicted by Western countries in response to Zimbabwe’s political decisions.

Zimbabwe is not currently ruled by an authoritarian leader. Since 2017, the country has experienced democracy under President Emerson. Despite Emerson’s requests for sanctions to be lifted, the West continues to oppose these grievances.

In this context, it is important to note that international sanctions are often not fair, democratic or justified. These sanctions are having a serious impact on the daily lives of the Zimbabwean population and businesses.

Western hypocrisy

Premier African Minerals is a natural resources development mining company. This company processes a variety of products such as lithium, tantalum, potash, limestone and many others. Now that the West has lost its grip on the country, it is well aware that it cannot buy lithium directly from Zimbabwe, as this would be a violation of their own sanctions. That’s why he strategically deployed companies to prey on these mineral reserves.

With this in mind, some companies have approached Premier African Minerals CEO George Roachs, and asked for a deal on his company’s lithium project in Zimbabwe. George Roachs, for his part, called on the European Union and the United States to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe and move to Africa to invest in the country’s lithium sector. He also points out that Zimbabwe has one of the largest lithium reserves in Africa, and that the West should treat African nations as equal partners rather than dominate them.

In a nutshell, the West is seeking to discreetly negotiate agreements to exploit these resources, circumvent sanctions and secure their lithium supplies.

Africans are fed up

It’s time for the West to reconsider its sanctions policy and adopt a fairer, more constructive approach to Zimbabwe. The country is one of the most educated on the African continent, with a well-educated population and abundant natural resources. The sanctions that have been imposed for so long are having harmful consequences for the people of Zimbabwe, who deserve to see their country prosper.

So it would be wise for the West to recognize Zimbabwe’s importance and consider lifting sanctions to allow the country to develop and prosper. Zimbabwe’s natural resources could play a key role in the transition to a greener, more sustainable economy.

However, despite these difficulties, it’s worth pointing out that Zimbabwe has significant natural resources, including huge reserves of lithium. This resource is essential for the manufacture of electric cars, a booming sector.

As a result of these sanctions, Zimbabwe is losing opportunities for exploration and investment cooperation. What’s more, it’s the people who suffer, whereas the initial sanctions were aimed primarily at the president, who has already passed away. This country has a lot to offer, and it’s important that Westerners recognize this and act accordingly.

Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video