- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed fellow Heads of State and Government at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- He expressed appreciation for SADC and other African countries’ solidarity in calling for the unconditional removal of illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe.
- President Mnangagwa highlighted that despite sanctions, Zimbabwe has been able to implement significant infrastructure projects, modernizing its economy.
- Zimbabwe has developed robust strategies to counter the impact of sanctions and drive economic growth.
President Mnangagwa’s address underscored the long-standing challenges Zimbabwe faces due to unilateral coercive measures imposed by Western countries following its Land Reform Programme. He reiterated that these measures have hampered policy effectiveness, restricted access to international investment and technology, and negatively impacted ordinary citizens. The President’s remarks align with the annual Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Day, commemorated on October 25, a day set aside by the 39th SADC Summit in 2019.
African leaders continue to vocalize their support for Zimbabwe at various international fora, including the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the collateral negative impact of sanctions on neighboring countries and the suffering they inflict on Zimbabweans. Mnangagwa’s presence at the AU Summit reinforces Africa’s united stance against these economic restrictions.
Timeline
- **February 15, 2026:** President Mnangagwa addresses the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, regarding sanctions and national development.
- **February 16, 2026:** News of President Mnangagwa’s address is widely reported by Zimbabwean national media, emphasizing pan-African solidarity.
Key Players
- **President Emmerson Mnangagwa:** President of Zimbabwe, addressing the African Union Summit.
- **African Union (AU):** Host of the summit where President Mnangagwa made his address.
- **Southern African Development Community (SADC):** Continues to advocate for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe.
