Zimbabweans Camp Outside US Embassy For 2 255 Days Straight
A group of Zimbabwean protestors has now spent 2 255 straight days camped outside the United States Embassy in Harare, demanding an end to sanctions they say are hurting ordinary people more than politicians.
The protest, led by the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions (BAAS), began on 29 March 2019 and has continued without pause for more than six years. On Wednesday, the group marked the milestone with a public statement and renewed calls for the removal of US sanctions under the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA).
“We demand that the sanctions be removed. Allow our economy to perform freely without any hindrance,” Calvern Chitsunge, BAAS chairperson and co-founder told The Herald.
Six years on the pavement
The demonstrators maintain their presence at the US Embassy in Westgate, Harare, taking turns to hold banners and deliver messages. They say their protest is peaceful, continuous, and aimed at highlighting how external restrictions have affected daily life.
“It is high time that you consider respecting our sovereignty as a nation and free us from the gross human rights violations you subject us to through illegal sanctions,”
— BAAS statement
The group claims sanctions have worsened inflation, unemployment, and access to basic services, although critics argue that internal mismanagement and corruption are also key factors.
“This is about survival. Our people are struggling. Sanctions are part of the reason,”
— BAAS spokesperson
UK move sparks fresh hope
BAAS welcomed the United Kingdom’s recent move to lift its last set of sanctions on Zimbabwe, calling it “a great relief” and urging the United States to reconsider its position.
“We applaud the UK’s decision. It shows things can change,”
— BAAS representative
They also referenced ongoing infrastructure projects and community support initiatives by public figures and businesspeople, saying such efforts show resilience in the face of economic challenges.
“People like Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Wicknell Chivayo, and Dr Paul Tungwarara are doing their part,”
— BAAS statement
Protest to continue “as long as it takes”
Despite the long stretch, the protestors say they are not giving up.
“We’ve been here for 2 255 days, and we’ll be here for 2 255 more if that’s what it takes,”
— Calvern Chitsunge
BAAS maintains that their demonstration is not politically aligned, but instead focused on lifting what they see as economic pressure on everyday Zimbabweans.
While the full impact of sanctions remains a subject of debate, what’s clear is that the protest has become one of the country’s longest-running vigils.
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The post Zimbabweans Spend 2 255 Consecutive Days Demonstrating Outside US Embassy appeared first on iHarare News.
