UK Lifts Sanctions on Four Zimbabwean Individuals and Defence Entity

The United Kingdom has officially announced the removal of sanctions on four Zimbabwean individuals and one state-linked entity, Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI). This move aligns the UK with recent adjustments in diplomatic strategies by other international partners concerning Zimbabwe.

The individuals who have been delisted are former commissioner general of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Godwin Matanga, former Director General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Isaac Moyo, former state security Minister Owen Ncube and former army commander who is now Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe.

The UK Foreign Office stated that this decision is part of an ongoing review of targeted measures against Zimbabwe. It also reflects a broader trend among international partners. The European Union, for example, removed its last remaining sanctions on ZDI in February of this year. The United States also delisted several individuals and entities from its sanctions list in March 2024.

This development signals a continued shift in diplomatic relations between the UK and Zimbabwe, indicating a move towards renewed engagement.