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Ramaphosa renews call to lift Zimbabwe sanctions

Published

Speaking as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the restrictions add to the burden on Zimbabweans and the wider region. He urged countries that impose sanctions to choose dialogue.

Ramaphosa said sanctions place an additional burden on Zimbabweans amid growing global economic challenges. He also said the measures affect the wider region.

He said the time has come to give Zimbabwe a chance to improve the lives and livelihoods of its people. He called for "the complete and unconditional lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe".

Key facts

Who
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa and SADC Chairperson); Southern African Development Community (regional bloc; Ramaphosa is its chairperson)
What
Ramaphosa, as SADC Chairperson, renewed calls for the complete and unconditional lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe, saying the restrictions place an additional burden on Zimbabweans and the wider region, and urged countries imposing sanctions to prioritise dialogue.
When
26 October 2026
Where
Zimbabwe, Durban
Status
Reported

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