The European Union is to renew targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe’s ruling elite, including President Robert Mugabe.
The EU have renewed these sanctions each year since they were first imposed in 2002. following the expulsion of the leading EU observer from Zimbabwe.
Sanctions will affect Robert Mugabe and 19 other leading officials. This will include a travel ban to Europe, a freeze on financial assets held there and an arms embargo.
In a statement, the EU said, ‘The EU remains seriously concerned at political violence, serious violations of human rights and restrictions on the media…which call into question the prospects for a free and fair election.’
However, sanctions will not affect aid and development projects such as those carried out by Tearfund’s partners.
Chris Patten, the EU’s External Affairs Commissioner said, ‘Our argument is not with the people of Zimbabwe, but with Mugabe and his cronies.’
The sanctions come as a response to Mr Mugabe’s handling of the Zimbabwean economy, which has the highest inflation rate in the world.
Since the reclamation of white-owned farms, the agriculture-based economy has faltered. Poverty, unemployment, hunger, repression and political strife are all now endemic in Zimbabwe.