The European Union (EU) is to suspend most sanctions against Zimbabwe once it has held a credible referendum on a new constitution, according to EU foreign ministers.
Key officials of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF have been subject to sanctions since 2002, when it became clear that the party was resorting to violence and intimidation to hold on to power. The decision to review the sanctions comes as a coalition government, between Zanu-PF and the opposition, seem to be making progress towards drawing up a new constitution for the country and holding elections, sometime next year.
Despite their protestations that the sanctions do not matter, the prospect of them being lifted might encourage Zanu-PF leaders to ensure the successful completion of the peace process.
However, the EU and others are right to wait until there is a new constitution in place before the sanctions are lifted. They should perhaps wait until substantially free and fair elections are held.
Zanu-PF and its leader, President Robert Mugabe, have shown themselves to be masters at stringing along the opposition and international community — until their grip on power is threatened.
