Zimbabwe announces new public holiday on Oct 25 against US sanctions

Zimbabwe has decided to protest against the US sanctions by declaring a new public holiday and a state-sponsored festival on October 25. It will be commemorated as anti-sanctions day when tens of thousands of people are expected to arrive in Harare to watch a soccer game and attend an all-night concert. The rationale behind the holiday and public events against sanctions is still unclear.

“We march, watch soccer, eat, drink and dance the night away ... then what next?” asked Chengetedzo Mbundure, an office worker in Harare. “It is unnecessary but it is welcome. Who doesn’t love a holiday?” he added.

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Human rights violations in Zimbabwe

The United States began imposing restrictions on support for multilateral financing in 2001, followed by travel sanctions against selected individuals including current President Emmerson Mnangagwa. It accused Zimbabwe government of human rights violations and lack of free and fair elections.

The US called the presidential and parliamentary elections of July 2013 as deeply flawed which did not represent the “will of Zimbabwean people.” But the US also claims that they have worked to promote Zimbabwe’s economic recovery within the confines of the targeted sanctions program.

“We have made it clear that the easing of restrictive measures, including targeted sanctions and travel bans, will only occur in the context of credible, transparent and lasting democratic reforms,” said the US Department of State on the imposed sanctions.

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Zimbabwe struggling with inflation

Mnangagwa has constantly blamed the United States for its flailing economy and the acting information minister Amon Murwira called the holiday as a chance to “further amplify the importance of this day to the economic emancipation and well-being of Zimbabwe.” The African nation is struggling with hyperinflation and according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), it has the second-highest inflation after Venezuela.

The United States established its diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe in 1980 after the United Kingdom formally granted independence following years of conflict. In April 1980, America established its embassy in erstwhile Salisbury (currently Harare) becoming the first country to do so.

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(With AP Inputs)