US No Longer Has Right To Sanction Nations - Mnangagwa

The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday said the United States has no moral right to sanction any nation for undemocratic actions.

Mnangagwa made this known in a string of tweets following the Wednesday's Capitol hill riots in Washington DC after Donald Trump addressed his followers, vowing “never to concede”.

Mnangagwa recounted how the outgoing US President subjected Zimbabwe to "painful" economic sanctions last year. 

He said, “Last year, President Trump extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwe’s democracy.

“Yesterday’s events showed that the U.S. has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end.

“I’d like to again congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his confirmation as the 46th President of the United States.

“Zimbabwe is, as it always has been, ready to work together as friends and partners with the U.S for the benefit of both our peoples.”

READ ALSO: African Leaders Yet To React To US Capitol Unrest

AllNews had reported that Trump’s supporters had invaded Capitol during a joint session of Congress held to certify the electoral victory of President-elect Joe Biden.

The Capitol violence started hours after an extraordinary rally by Trump challenging his defeat, saw flag-waving backers break down barricades outside the Capitol and swarm inside, sending the legislative sessions into an emergency recess.

Four persons have been pronounced dead while scores were reportedly injured. Congress leaders, however, reconvened after the riot and affirmed Biden’s Electoral College victory over Trump.

Political leaders across all continents have condemned Trump’s action, with many accusing him of dragging one of the world’s most respected and resilient democracy in the mud.

Last year, President Trump extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwe’s democracy.

Yesterday’s events showed that the U.S. has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end.

— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) January 7, 2021