By Staff Reporter
The European Union has expressed concern over Government failure to implement recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry.
Recently, the bloc extended sanctions on Zimbabwe by one year as it pushes Harare to implement democratic reforms and uphold human rights.
Soldiers opened fire with live ammunition on citizens protesting the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) prolonged announcement of the 2018 presidential election results in the streets of Harare. Six civilians were shot dead.
“The EU also maintains its concerns that the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry have not been followed substantially and the perpetrators of violations which occurred in August 2018 and January 2019 are to date still enjoying impunity from prosecution. It is important that international human rights obligations are adhered to and the constitutional rights of the people of Zimbabwe respected,” said EU in a statement
The EU reiterated that there are no listed individuals on its restrictive measures and will continue to follow developments around human rights situation.
“In view of all the above, in its 2023 revision of the restrictive measures, the EU has decided to extend by one year the two measures in place (i.e.: the arms embargo and targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries).
“Since February 2022 there are no listed individuals. The EU will continue to closely follow developments, with a particular attention to the human rights situation and recalls its readiness to adapt the whole range of its policies accordingly. The remaining restrictive measures in place do not affect the people of Zimbabwe, its economy, foreign direct investments, or trade,” said the EU
The country is set to hold its harmonised elections later this year to choose Members of Parliament, Councilors and the President.
