U.S. Sanctions Zimbabwe Govt Officials Over Attack On Opposition, Protesters 

The United States on Wednesday blacklisted Zimbabwe’s state security minister, Owen Ncube and its ambassador to Tanzania, Anselem Sanyatwe, for alleged human rights abuses related to political repression in the country.

U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, stated this in a tweet on Wednesday.

The duo was sanctioned for allegedly directing security service to attack protesters and opposition group in the nation.

Silencing political opposition and civil society is unacceptable. Today’s @USTreasury sanctions against Anselem Sanyatwe and Owen Ncube make clear that the U.S. will not tolerate the use our financial system by human rights abusers in #Zimbabwe.

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) March 11, 2020

Furthermore, the U.S department of State blocked the assets linked to the government officials.

“As a result of today’s action, all assets, property, and interests of property of Sanyatwe and Ncube that are, or come within, U.S. jurisdiction, or the possession or control of U.S. persons, are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them,” the U.S department stated.

Pompeo also stressed that the Government of Zimbabwe should stop sponsoring violence  against peaceful protesters, civil society, labor leaders and members of the opposition in the nation.

He also urged the leadership of the country to  probe and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuse.