Mugabe blames Western sanctions for economic crisis

ZIMBABWE’S President Robert Mugabe yesterday blamed Western sanctions for his country’s economic collapse, which has left millions of people jobless and hungry.

Speaking on the final day of the 12th African Union summit in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Mugabe said European and US sanctions had crippled the economy and fuelled unrest.

“We believe that these illegal sanctions are not only unjustified and cruel, but they have also contributed deeply to the suffering and the poverty-induced polarisation of the people of Zimbabwe.”

Mugabe accused donors of punishing Zimbabwe for his land reform programme, when white-owned farms were forcibly seized and given to black farmers, who often had little experience or access to equipment.

The country’s unemployment rate is 94% while its inflation — symbolised by the release last month of a 100-trillion-dollar note — is the world’s highest.

The African Union this weekend called for the sanctions, which largely comprise a travel ban and asset freeze on Mugabe and his inner circle, to be lifted.

Mugabe said yesterday he is committed to forming a national unity government, but his rivals said talks to fine tune a power-sharing deal have not taken place. Zimbabwe is on the path to forming “an all-inclusive government,” as “advised” by African leaders in July, he said.