US sanctions: A blow for Zim’s $13bn debt relief plan

Concerns have been raised that the decision by the United States to extend its sanctions against Zimbabwe will complicate the country’s push to reduce its foreign debt of $13 billion.

US President Donald Trump had last week signed into law the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Amendment Act (Zidera) of 2018.

The law replaces similar legislation that was first enacted in 2001 in response to alleged human rights abuses and electoral fraud by former president Robert Mugabe’s administration.

According to the new legislation, US directors at multilateral institutions will not support efforts to address Zimbabwe’s foreign debt until Washington is satisfied Harare has met set conditions.