US maintains Robert Mugabe sanctions

HARARE

The United States has maintained its sanctions against Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and his inner circle despite the European Union’s moves to ease a similar embargo.

President Mugabe and 106 individuals are barred from travelling to the US or doing business with companies based there because of alleged human rights violations.

Sixty five companies, including some linked to the government are also included in the embargo.

The US, EU, Australia, Canada and New Zealand first slapped the long time ruler with sanctions in 2002 after he won a controversial presidential election that came amid a violent invasion of white owned farms in Zimbabwe.

However, the EU and Australia have been gradually easing the sanctions since Zimbabwe started initiating several reforms in 2009 that culminated in a new constitution adopted last year.

The EU has indicated that it may lift the remaining sanctions in November to reward progress on the reforms.

US President Barack Obama’s government hardened its stance after President Mugabe won another controversial election last year.

State media recently reported that the US planned to intercept funds and international humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe as part of the sanctions, an allegation that has been dismissed by the US embassy in Harare.

“To set the record straight, there has been no change in policy, nor reduction in assistance programmes,” said US ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton.

“The 106 Zimbabweans with whom Americans may not do business nor give donations are still on the US targeted sanctions list.”