By A Correspondent

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Councillor and Youth leader Arnold Batirai Dube has asserted that Zimbabwe is not under sanctions, but rather, the country is facing targeted restrictions imposed specifically on Zanu PF officials. Dube made the remarks in response to a recent news bulletin aired on the national broadcaster, emphasizing that the government’s narrative about sanctions is misleading.

“Zimbabwe is not on sanctions. We only have restricted measures. The regime is hiding behind the finger,” Batirai Dube stated, pointing out that the country’s challenges are not a result of broad sanctions but rather targeted actions aimed at specific individuals.

This statement comes amid the European Union’s (EU) decision to remove Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI) from its list of sanctioned entities while maintaining its arms embargo on the country. The EU, in a statement released this Tuesday, confirmed the adjustment of its restrictive measures on Zimbabwe, extending them until February 2026. The delisting of ZDI marks a notable change, though the EU has made it clear that restrictions on arms and military equipment will continue, a measure that has been in place since 2002.

In light of the EU’s decision, Zimbabwe continues to call for the unconditional and complete removal of the arms embargo, which it argues has hindered the country’s development for more than two decades. Despite this, Batirai Dube’s comments suggest a shift in understanding, focusing on the narrower scope of the restrictions rather than a blanket sanction on the entire nation.