AU chairperson pleads for lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe

African Union chairperson, Macky Sall called for the lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe in his address to the 77th UN General Assembly in New York.

The Southern African country has faced deep economic crises over the past few years with periods of hyperinflation – but there’s little evidence to suggest that the sanctions are responsible.

The Senegalese leader, and the current chairman of the African Union, said the measures against Zimbabwe were aggravating the suffering of the people.

The US and the European Union (EU) maintain sanctions on Zimbabwe, citing a lack of progress in democratic and human rights reforms as well as restrictions on press freedoms.

The sanctions target both specific individuals and companies – including President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

More African leaders are expected to address the UN general assembly on Wednesday on the second day of the high-level debate.