By Staff Reporter

UNITED States President Joe Biden has revoked the Zimbabwe national emergency declaration imposed in 2003 but imposed fresh sanctions against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, his deputy Constantino Chiwenga and oligarch Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

The development was confirmed by the White House on Monday.

“I, Joseph Biden, President of the United States of America, find that the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13288 of March 6, 2003, with respect to the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes or institutions… should no longer be in effect,” reads the statement.

“Although I continue to be concerned with the situation in Zimbabwe, particularly with respect to acts of violence and other human rights abuses against political opponents and with respect to public corruption, including misuse of public authority, the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13288 is no longer needed.  Accordingly, I hereby terminate the national emergency …”

Meanwhile, the US said it was imposing fresh sanctions against President Mnangagwa, Chiwenga, Tagwirei as well as CIO deputy Brigadier General (Retired) Walter Tapfumaneyi.

” … the Department of the Treasury is designating three entities and eleven individuals, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Brigadier General (Retired) Walter Tapfumaneyi, and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei,” said National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Adrienne Watson in a separate statement.

The US cited continuing abuses of “political, economic, and human rights” as well as the “targeting of civil society and severe restrictions on political activity”.

“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.”