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HARARE - Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) interim leader Elliot Muchenje Samuriwo has praised newly sworn‑in Senator Dr Kudakwashe Tagwireyi, saying his continued business success despite being on United States and European Union sanctions lists demonstrates that targeted measures have failed to cripple Zimbabweans.
Speaking to journalists in Harare, Muchenje said Tagwireyi's elevation to the Senate and his sustained investment activities showed that sanctions had not prevented him from contributing to national development. "Dr Tagwireyi's swearing‑in is a testament that sanctions are not a death sentence," he said.
"Here is a man who has remained on a sanctions list for years, yet he continues to invest, create jobs and now serve the people in Parliament. That is resilience. That is patriotism. That is what we must celebrate as a nation," Muchenje said.
He said CAES viewed Tagwireyi's journey as evidence that Zimbabweans targeted by sanctions had adapted, innovated and continued to build businesses despite restricted access to international finance. "When they put you on sanctions, the intention is to isolate you, to bankrupt you, to make you an example. But Senator Tagwireyi has defied that script," he said.
Muchenje added that Tagwireyi's new role sent a message to sanctioning countries: "You cannot sanction a whole nation into submission."
CAES, a lobby group advocating for the unconditional removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe, maintains that sanctions hurt ordinary citizens more than targeted individuals. Muchenje urged Government, the private sector and civic society to support Zimbabweans who continue to deliver despite restrictions.
"We must stop treating sanctioned individuals as pariahs. If they are building factories, paying taxes and now serving in Parliament, then they are part of the solution," he said. "Senator Tagwireyi's story should inspire other young entrepreneurs. Sanctions must not be an excuse for failure."
He said CAES would continue documenting cases of Zimbabweans thriving under sanctions to strengthen international advocacy for their removal.
Dr Tagwireyi was sworn in as Senator this week. He remains among several Zimbabwean businesspersons and officials on US and EU sanctions lists imposed at the turn of the millennium over governance and human‑rights concerns. Government argues sanctions are a major impediment to economic growth, while the US and EU insist they are targeted.
For CAES, Tagwireyi's new role is both symbolic and practical. "This is not about one man. This is about proving that Zimbabweans can succeed despite illegal sanctions. We commend Senator Tagwireyi and we wish him well as he serves the nation," Muchenje said.
This debate feeds into wider national conversations around sanctions impact and economic resilience.
Speaking to journalists in Harare, Muchenje said Tagwireyi's elevation to the Senate and his sustained investment activities showed that sanctions had not prevented him from contributing to national development. "Dr Tagwireyi's swearing‑in is a testament that sanctions are not a death sentence," he said.
"Here is a man who has remained on a sanctions list for years, yet he continues to invest, create jobs and now serve the people in Parliament. That is resilience. That is patriotism. That is what we must celebrate as a nation," Muchenje said.
He said CAES viewed Tagwireyi's journey as evidence that Zimbabweans targeted by sanctions had adapted, innovated and continued to build businesses despite restricted access to international finance. "When they put you on sanctions, the intention is to isolate you, to bankrupt you, to make you an example. But Senator Tagwireyi has defied that script," he said.
Muchenje added that Tagwireyi's new role sent a message to sanctioning countries: "You cannot sanction a whole nation into submission."
"We must stop treating sanctioned individuals as pariahs. If they are building factories, paying taxes and now serving in Parliament, then they are part of the solution," he said. "Senator Tagwireyi's story should inspire other young entrepreneurs. Sanctions must not be an excuse for failure."
He said CAES would continue documenting cases of Zimbabweans thriving under sanctions to strengthen international advocacy for their removal.
Dr Tagwireyi was sworn in as Senator this week. He remains among several Zimbabwean businesspersons and officials on US and EU sanctions lists imposed at the turn of the millennium over governance and human‑rights concerns. Government argues sanctions are a major impediment to economic growth, while the US and EU insist they are targeted.
For CAES, Tagwireyi's new role is both symbolic and practical. "This is not about one man. This is about proving that Zimbabweans can succeed despite illegal sanctions. We commend Senator Tagwireyi and we wish him well as he serves the nation," Muchenje said.
This debate feeds into wider national conversations around sanctions impact and economic resilience.
Source - Byo24News
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