Tiseke Kasambala, Africa advocacy director at HRW said it would be premature for the EU to lift targeted sanctions on President Robert Mugabe and members of his inner circle simply for holding a referendum on a new constitution.
“Removing or suspending the measures before Zimbabwe carries out any comprehensive rights reforms will give Mugabe and his party free rein to continue repression ahead of elections,” she said in Johannesburg on Thursday. The EU is expected to review its policy toward Zimbabwe in the coming two weeks.
“If the EU wants to help create a sustainable rights-respecting environment in Zimbabwe, then it should hold off lifting or suspending targeted sanctions until after Zimbabwe holds credible, free and fair elections. Such action would reaffirm the EU’s commitment to Zimbabwe’s political and economic well-being,” Kasambala said.
Previously, an EU Council decision on July 23, 2012, indicated that a peaceful and credible constitutional referendum would be an important milestone in preparing for democratic elections that would justify suspending the majority of EU targeted restrictions on individuals and entities.
The EU in 2002 began imposing travel restrictions and asset freezes on President Mugabe and about 200 senior officials from his Zanu (PF) as well as on some state-owned companies with close ties to the party.
Late last month, Zimbabwe’s political leaders reached agreement on a draft constitution that is likely to be presented for a referendum in March. General elections are expected later in the year.
“A new constitution is crucial but insufficient to ensure free and fair elections,” argued Kisambala.
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