Citizens Against Economic Sanctions Now Registered PVO, Calls On Philanthropists To Intervene In Fighting Against Illegal Sanctions

By Desire Tshuma 

Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES),  a non-profit making organization which has been actively campaigning against economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western countries, particularly the United States, is now a registered Private Voluntary Organisation. This now enables them to implement projects and programs aimed at mitigating the effects of sanctions.

CAES has been conducting nationwide awareness campaigns engaging with communities and promoting economic patriotism. They had been also been working with various stakeholders including youth, women and faith-based groups to build a united front against sanctions.

“Since CAES was formed, we have been self-funding with little funds from our personal savings in raising awareness about the negative impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe’s economy and people, and mobilizing citizens to demand their removal.

“Our External Affairs member Mr Brighton Marengureni, who is also a successful businessman, has been a key person who has been with us on this journey, providing transport, fuel, food and our campaign material which includes T-shirts and caps. We thank him for showing us a good heart as we are fighting these illegal sanctions given to our President Dr Emerson Mnangagwa and the entire citizens,” said Martin Zharare, CAES executive director.

“As we manoeuvre with our fight against economic sanctions, we ask other philanthropists like Sir Wicknel Chivhayo, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Presidential advisor Tempter Paul Tungwarara and other concerned citizens to come on board and help us.  We are always on the road as we cover all 10 provinces of the country but we don’t have cars to move around. We need food for our members during mobilisation campaigns and cash for projects that we do for communities,” explained Zharare

“Sanctions hinder the country’s development and exacerbate poverty. As CAES we have been conducting nationwide awareness campaigns, engaging with communities, and promoting economic patriotism. We want the USA to remove all sanctions against Zimbabwe, including targeted sanctions against President Mnangagwa and other government officials. Sanctions affect not just the government but ordinary Zimbabweans, limiting access to essential goods and services ” said  Brighton Marengureni, CAES External Affairs member.

CAES is working on initiatives like drilling boreholes in inflicted areas and promoting economic empowerment. It is also working with different government departments in the alleviation of poverty within communities.

CAES is currently in preparation to hold the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations which was declared by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to raise awareness about the impact of sanctions and push for their removal. It has also been collecting signatures for petitions against sanctions which they are going to hand over to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the 80th United Nations General Assembly,  and engaging in advocacy efforts to pressure governments to lift these restrictions.

In other community engagement initiatives , the organization works closely with locals, educating them about the effects of sanctions and encouraging them to participate in the anti-sanctions movement.

 

TOP PIC: From left Matavire, Marengureni, Zharare and Mrs Magombedze, CAES Executive

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