By A Correspondent

The European Union (EU) has extended its targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party for another year, now lasting until 20 February 2026.

The sanctions continue to target key individuals within the party, who are seen as either directly involved in or supportive of the political establishment, as well as entities linked to the government.

Notably, the EU has decided to remove the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI) from its sanctions list.

However, the embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for internal repression remains in effect, signaling ongoing concerns over potential human rights violations within the country.

In response to the EU’s renewed sanctions, Zimbabwe’s government, along with regional organizations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), have criticized the measures.

They argue that the sanctions continue to harm Zimbabwe’s economy, significantly affecting the livelihoods of ordinary citizens while failing to bring about the desired political change.

These entities call for the unconditional removal of the sanctions, stressing that they are a barrier to Zimbabwe’s economic development and a form of external interference in the country’s sovereignty.

In essence corruption is the barrier to economic growth in Zimbabwe.

The issue of targeted sanctions remains a deeply contentious one in Zimbabwe, with calls for their removal intensifying.