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Columbus Mabika Herald Reporter

The Islamic community has called for the unconditional removal of economic sanctions imposed by Western countries on Zimbabwe which have affected ordinary citizens daily and hampered national development in the last two decades.

Western allies imposed the embargoes following the successful implementation of the land reform programme, which was meant to address the unequal distribution of land between the black majority and the white minority.

The call by the Islamic community comes as October 25 marks the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, a day when the world joins Zimbabwe in calling for the removal of the unilateral sanctions.

The Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe (SCIAZ) president, Sheikh Ishmail Duwa said the fiction that the sanctions are targeted has lost its apparel.

“The Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe strongly opposes the sanctions imposed on the Government of Zimbabwe by Western countries.

“By imposing sanctions on among nation, these western powers have directly caused the death of poor communities especially women and children, lack of access to food and health care is directly traceable to these sanctions,” he said.

Sheikh Duwa said SCIAZ calls for Zimbabweans to unite irrespective of religious affiliation and political differences to pressure the West to remove the sanctions unconditionally.

“The people who imposed sanctions say no to human rights abuse, child protection and women protection meanwhile they infringe what they preach by imposing sanctions which are hurting the same people whom they purport to be protecting. We call for all progressive Zimbabweans to unite and advocate for removal of sanctions unconditionally,” he said.

He said sanctions are human rights abuse and sanctions kills especially ordinary people.

“How many people including children and women who are dying because lack of medicines in hospitals and our youth are affected by drugs because of unemployment because of sanctions. Sanctions are silent killers,” he said.

“We as Muslims of Zimbabwe strongly condemn the imposition of sanctions which have affected ordinary citizens and hampered national development in the last decades.

“The Holy Quran, Allah (God) says; “And whoever saves one life, it is as if had saved mankind entirely” Quran chapter 5 verse 32 Surah Maidah. This means if you kill one life, it is as if you had killed mankind entirely.”

President Mnangagwa will headline the fourth annual SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations with a virtual address to the nation.

SADC countries declared October 25 a day to demonstrate regional solidarity with Zimbabwe against the illegal sanctions.

This year’s commemoration will be held under the theme: “Enhancing Zimbabwe’s Resilience through Economic Development and Engagement and Re-engagement.”

A concept paper on the theme and activities to mark the day has already been approved in recognition of the concrete steps the country has taken in strengthening engagement and re-engagement at bilateral and multilateral levels.

Other activities include media awareness campaigns on the nature and impact of sanctions in and outside Zimbabwe, showcasing progress of projects in various sectors including agriculture and food security, mining, health, education, infrastructure and industry.

A musical concert at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex with participation both physically and virtually through the national broadcaster to allow for wider coverage across the country’’s 10 provinces is also on the cards.