EU sanctions on Zimbabwe were first imposed in 2002, by Common Position 2002/145/CFSP, in relation to the escalation of violence and intimidation of political opponents and the harassment of the independent press. The sanctions comprised an arms embargo, as well as an asset freeze and travel ban on targeted people and entities. The current EU sanctions regime on Zimbabwe is imposed pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 314/2004 (as amended) and Council Decision 2011/101/CFSP (as amended), and likewise consists of an arms embargo and targeted asset freezes and travel bans.
The UK adopted The Zimbabwe (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 in January 2021. They aim to encourage the Government of Zimbabwe, and any person or entity who may be involved in human rights abuses to: (i) respect democratic principles and institutions and the rule of law; (ii) refrain from actions, policies or activities which repress civil society in Zimbabwe; and (iii) comply with international human rights law and respect human rights.
On Monday (12 December 2022), 17 Zimbabwean nationals have been de-listed by OFAC after it determined that they no longer undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes and institutions or meet any of the other criteria for designation under the US’ Zimbabwe sanctions regime. OFAC Press Release & Notice, State Department Press Release. In addition, OFAC has designated Sandra Mpunga, Nqobile Magwizi, Obey …
On Thursday (15 September 2022), Stephen Mutamba, the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Deputy Commissioner for Administration, was added to the US’ Zimbabwe sanctions list (Executive Order 13469) for his alleged role in undermining Zimbabwe’s democratic processes and institutions. Mr Mutamba is said to have organised actions that threaten and undermine legitimate political parties and others who oppose the policies of the …
On Friday, 18 March 2022, the FCDO updated the UK Sanctions List on GOV.UK. Amendments have been made to entries under the following financial sanctions regimes: Belarus; Chemical Weapons; Cyber; Russia and Zimbabwe. The following entries in the Russia financial sanctions regime have been corrected and are still subject to an asset freeze: Mikhail Maratovic FRIDMAN (Group ID: 14615) Petr Olegovich AVEN …
Recent designations and removals from UN, US, UK and EU non-Russia sanctions lists are summarised below. UN Al-Shabaab spokesperson Ali Mohamed Rage was added to the UN’s Somalia sanctions list. Press Release. The UK (Notice), Switzerland (Notice) and the EU (Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2022/341 & Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/340) have also designated Mr Rage. 7 people have been …
In March 2021, the US renewed its sanctions regimes in respect of Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Iran and malicious cyber activities. Those sanctions have been renewed for 1 year by continuing the national emergencies declared in the Executive Orders that introduced and amended the respective regimes.
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