While the sanctions only target Mugabe and his top officials, the US government through its Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act also bans American firms from dealing with the Harare government.
Addressing guests at a ceremony to distribute tractors and other farming equipment sourced by the government, Mugabe said his government had used “its friends” to circumvent US restrictions and import equipment from American manufacturers.
“We have bought tractors, some of them from the United States of America despite the tight sanctions imposed on us,” a confident Mugabe told the gathering of mainly supporters of his government.Â
The veteran leader, who is battling for his political life as pressure mounts at home and abroad for him to step down, used Monday’s ceremony to call for unity among Zimbabwe’s main political rivals to revive the country’s moribund agricultural sector.
He said: “Let’s work together, all of us. We all need food whether we belong to Zanu (PF) or the MDC. We eat the same food, so let’s unite for one goal. When these tractors are distributed, we won’t consider whether one is a member of Zanu (PF) or the MDC. The issue of food affects everyone.” – ZimOnline
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