Uhuru tells Mnangagwa Kenya to push for lifting of sanctions
People jostle for a chance to buy a loaf of bread from a vendor at a market in Bulawayo town, Zimbabwe on January 16, 2019, as shops and offices remain closed for business in the central business district following violent protests in the country triggered by a sharp, sudden rise in fuel prices. PHOTO | ZINYANGE AUNTONY | AFP
What you need to know:
- The EU and UK imposed financial restrictions on Zimbabwe following Mugabe's controversial land reform programme.
- Zimbabwe envoy said those who lost property under land reform programme will be compensated.
- President Kenyatta said Kenya will push for lifting of sanctions against the southern Africa country.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured Zimbabwe of Kenya's support to ensure that the sanctions imposed on the southern Africa nation are lifted.
President Kenyatta said the sanctions are holding Zimbabwe back, undermining its efforts to effectively serve its citizens.
"Imposing sanction is like tying somebody's hands and feet, they cannot move. We will give our support to bring back Zimbabwe to the global platform," said Mr Kenyatta.
The President was speaking on Wednesday at State House, Nairobi, when he received a special message from President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.
The message was delivered by President Mnangagwa's special envoy, Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Perence Shiri.
The Zimbabwean special envoy briefed President Kenyatta on the situation in Zimbabwe and called for Kenya's support to get the sanctions lifted.
Mr Shiri said the Zimbabwe government was doing everything it could to address the challenges facing their country.
He said that plans are underway to ensure that those who lost property during the land reform programme under will be compensated.
The "land reform programme led to Zimbabwe's international isolation and sanctions from the US and EU.
The envoy praised Mr Kenyatta's leadership, saying it has enhanced bilateral relations between Kenya and Zimbabwe as well as many other nations across the continent.
