EU renews arms embargo on Zimbabwe and maintains assets freeze on one company

The European Union has renewed its arms embargo on Zimbabwe and assets freeze on one company.

In a statement on Monday the bloc said:

The EU has decided to renew its arms embargo and to maintain a targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, for one year, taking into account the situation in Zimbabwe, including the yet to be investigated alleged role of the armed and security forces in human rights abuses. The restrictive measures against four individuals are suspended. [these are Grace Mugabe, Constantino Chiwenga, Perence Shiri and Valerio Sibanda] The arms embargo, as well as the asset freeze against Zimbabwe Defence Industries, do not affect the Zimbabwean economy, foreign direct investment, or trade. They are motivated by the EU’s intention to encourage a demonstrable commitment by the Zimbabwean authorities to upholding the rule of law and human rights.

It also added that it could change these policies without having to wait for a year, depending on Zimbabwe:

The EU is ready to review the whole range of its policies at any time, when justified, based on developments in the country. The EU will seek increased collaboration with international partners, most importantly the African Union, SADC and its member countries, and international financial institutions, who can play a key role by supporting Zimbabwe in enabling an inclusive dialogue and in accelerating progress in reforms.

To read the whole communique, click here.