By Success Majaramhepo:
Malawi Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Annie Kumwenda has said Malawians residing in Zimbabwe are in solidarity to demonstrate against sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by United States government.
The demonstrations are scheduled for October25.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Tuesday, Ambassador Kumwenda said they were ready to take a stance against sanctions because they are also are affecting neighboring countries at large.
“Sanctions are not impacting Zimbabweans only, but are also affecting other Sadc countries. So, it will be of no sense to stay at home while we are suffering. Malawians are also suffering, so we have to act because they 6,2 million Malawians are here in Zimbabwe,” she said.
She also added that sanctions had led to xenophobic attacks in South Africa, as people in Zimbabwe and other counties are scrambling for resources in South Africa.
“We heard of xenophobic attacks last month and l can tell you that it’s all because of sanctions, because they have led to the decline of the economy, thereby leading people to migrate to South Africa looking for a better life. People were being killed like animals. It is so sad,” she added.
A member of Malawi, Zimbabwe UK Association said sanctions are also impacting business entrepreneurs due to the demise of economy and hyperinflation.
“Sanctions are not affecting the targeted people but it is affecting those at the grassroots especially business entrepreneur. We are now operating at a loss due to the decline of the economy. Even if we want to import our products it will be not any value,” he said
Another Malawian citizen, David Chinyamunyamu said they are geared to demonstrate to show solidarity with other Sadc countries as they are all Africans.
“We are ready to protest to show solidarity with Sadc counties because we are all Africans. We want these western countries to uplift sanctions upon our brotherly country Zimbabwe,” said Chinyamunyamu.
Zimbabwe is currently reeling from an economic downturn and the government has blamed it on sanctions imposed by the United States through Zimbabwe Democracy Recovery Act in 2001.
