Boise City Wire

BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, shared his thoughts on the recent Global Magnitsky (GloMag) sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the Biden Administration.

Risch commended the decision, stating, "Today’s GloMag designation of 14 Zimbabwean individuals and entities is a significant shift in approach on the use of sanctions related to Zimbabwe. In particular, the sanctioning of President Mnangagwa for both corruption and human rights violations is a damning indictment – he is notably the first head of state designated under the program."

He further emphasized the importance of holding Zimbabwe's worst offenders accountable, mentioning, "Sunsetting the previous Zimbabwe sanctions program and replacing it with GloMag robs the regime of excuses for its failed economy while ensuring Zimbabwe’s worst offenders remain held accountable."

Risch highlighted that while sanctions are a crucial tool, they are not a comprehensive policy. He urged the Biden Administration to take further steps, saying, "I have continuously called on the Biden Administration to vigorously implement the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA), reevaluate all facets of our relationship with the Zimbabwean government, and use every diplomatic avenue to forge a coalition of regional and global partners to fight transnational corruption and support the people of Zimbabwe."

Regarding the ongoing process of GloMag designations, Risch stated, "Biden Administration officials have provided assurances that today’s GloMag designations are just the beginning of an ongoing process. I will hold them to this commitment." He also stressed the need for the United States to counter the Zimbabwean government’s propaganda regarding its failings.

In addition to President Mnangagwa, the GloMag sanctions also targeted other individuals, including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, former Minister of State Security Owen Ncube, and Kudakawashe Tagwirei, a known launderer of the regime’s corrupt gains. It is noted that these actions have no impact on ZDERA.