The Zimbabwe sanctions program targets human rights abusers
and those who undermine democratic processes or facilitate corruption. U.S.
sanctions do not target the Zimbabwean people, the country of Zimbabwe, or
Zimbabwe’s banking sector. The 11 individuals being removed from the SDN list
are either deceased or have been deemed to no longer undermine Zimbabwe’s
democratic processes and institutions. Each year, the U.S. Government removes
hundreds of individuals and entities from the SDN List. Each removal is based
on a thorough review.
OFAC also designated Stephen Mutamba, the Zimbabwe Republic
Police’s Deputy Commissioner for Administration, pursuant to Executive Order
(E.O.) 13469 for his role in undermining Zimbabwe’s democratic processes and
institutions.
Over the past two years, Mutamba has taken actions that
threaten and undermine legitimate political parties who oppose the policies of
the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party. In
2020, Mutamba supported Zimbabwe security services’ use of pressure and
intimidation on prominent opposition figures. Also in 2020, Mutamba supported
the uneven enforcement of a COVID-related curfew, encouraging security forces
to limit opposition activities and did not allow for foreign national officials
located in Zimbabwe to meet with Zimbabwean opposition parties or civil society
groups. In 2021, Mutamba advocated that vote tallies not be displayed outside
polling locations and that international observers should not be allowed to
monitor the 2023 elections.
“It is imperative that ZANU-PF allow full participation
across the political spectrum in next year’s elections,” said Under Secretary
of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The
United States continues to stand with the Zimbabwean people against unjust
actions against political opponents or assaults on Zimbabwe’s democracy by the
ZANU-PF.”
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