EU renews targeted sanctions on Mugabe regime

By Violet Gonda
19 February 2007

The European Union has formally renewed targeted sanctions on members of the Zimbabwe government for another year. The restrictions, which were renewed on Monday, include a travel ban, an asset freeze and an arms embargo on Robert Mugabe and his close associates.

The regime is accused of violating human rights and single-handedly destroying the country through corruption and mis-management of the economy. EU targeted sanctions were imposed in 2002 and the travel ban has been tightened five times now, and in recent years increased to include others who have supported efforts to suppress the people.

Despite this renewal it’s reported that some countries like Portugal and France have been calling for an easing of restrictions and encouraging dialogue with Mugabe. Portugal is planning to hold the next EU-Africa summit later this year. This is a meeting that has been on hold since 2003 as a result of a stalemate between African and EU countries over Zimbabwe’s participation.