We are only five days away from Zimbabwe’s annual Anti-Sanctions Day, a familiar fixture on the national calendar.
While the campaign seeks to rally both national and international support against U.S. and EU sanctions, it paradoxically underscores the very issues that led to their implementation.
Rather than strengthening Zimbabwe’s case on the global stage, the government’s persistent focus on sanctions portrays the nation as a victim of international machinations.
This framing inadvertently solidifies the perception of Zimbabwe as a country entrenched in conflict with the West, economically unstable, and resistant to reform.
In doing so, the country risks alienating potential investors, partners, and tourists who may view these anti-sanctions campaigns as signals of deeper internal issues.
Successful nations emphasize their resilience, innovation, and ability to thrive under pressure. By contrast, Zimbabwe’s persistent highlighting of sanctions and the corresponding narrative of victimhood underscores the very image the country seeks to escape—that of a nation crippled by governance issues, corruption, and human rights concerns.
The sanctions in question are primarily targeted at specific individuals and entities accused of human rights violations and undermining democratic processes.
Given this, the 25th of October then suggests an unwillingness to address internal problems.
By framing the sanctions as the principal cause of the nation’s economic hardships, the government diverts attention from persistent challenges such as corruption, mismanagement, and lack of political reforms.
The insistence on portraying the nation as a victim of unjust policies overlooks the importance of demonstrating commitment to democratic principles and human rights—key factors that influence international support.
Zimbabwe has the opportunity to redefine its global image.
Constructive actions speak louder than protests; meaningful change could not only improve the lives of its citizens but also rebuild trust with the international community.
The U.S. took a big step in March 2024.
U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont has on various platforms expressed her willingness to work with the Zimbabwean government to attract investors, banks and institutions so that they look at Zimbabwe again.
At this point Zimbabwe must focus on using 25 October as a day to showcase its willingness to foster its “friend to all and enemy to none” mantra.
By reshaping its messaging and embracing a forward-looking vision, Zimbabwe could begin to rebrand itself as a nation on the rise, capable of growth and development—rather than one stuck in an endless cycle of blame.
