Political analysts yesterday slammed the extension of sanctions on Zimbabwe by the US, saying the move was part of efforts to destabilise the country and effect regime change.
The US Congress extended its sanctions regime on Zimbabwe on Thursday by another year.
Government has since expressed its disappointment on the extension, saying the US had ignored progress made in implementing various political, economic and social reforms.
Political analyst Mr Richard Mahomva said the sanctions were meant to destabilise the country.
“The extension of sanctions on Zimbabwe gestures the US’s protracted destabilisation of the country’s re-engagement trajectory,” he said.
“Beyond that it is also telling of the extent to which the said victimised neo-liberal reactionaries are an extension of US policy of regime change in Zimbabwe.”
Mr Mahomva said it was clear that all acts of despondency which have threatened national peace and stability are part and parcel of the regime change agenda.
He said it has become clear that the US was behind the opposition agenda of destabilising the country, contrary to the narrative of that it was advancing democracy and human rights.
Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa said the US did not want an African state that can freely chart its development.
“The USA cannot countenance a free thinking African ideological outlook. The Washington outlook is for a herd mentality,” he said.
“Zimbabweans are among the originals on the African continent. You just need to look at Great Zimbabwe, Khami, Danamombe and the many Dzimbahwes, all successors to Mapungubwe in South Africa.
“There are many other remnants scattered on the plateau between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers.”
Cde Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe had existed as a civilisation much longer than the US.
He said Washington cannot countenance modern Zimbabwe because through ZANLA-ZIPRA, an original African state was created.
