President Kenyatta demanded that sanctions placed on Zimbabwe be lifted. Kenya has shown a level of solidarity with another African state, that could be setting a change in foreign policy. Zimbabwe has been under sanctions since 2002 and it has contributed to harming its economy. The reason the UK and US imposed sanctions was based on the elections of 2002, which they claimed were fraudulent. The real motive was about land distribution and the fact that the UK in particular did not honor the Lancaster House Agreement. At the time, President Robert Mugabe took the land that was suppose to be given to those who were victim of the 1960s land theft from white settlers. President Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to see sanctions lifted, but not at the expense of Zimbabwe's sovereignty. African leaders are growing tired of sanctions imposed by the West arbitrarily. Besides mentioning Zimbabwe, President Uhuru Kenyatta also stated he would like to see sanctions lifted on Sudan and Cuba. Imposing sanctions for political disagreement or regime change should be considered a violation of international law. Making the people suffer by denying an economic lifeline or basic supplies is a human rights violation. Nations that seek investment in a sanctioned nation could find themselves facing penalties. Other leaders may join President Kenyatta to put an end to sanctions that clearly have an ulterior motive in mind. Overtime diplomatic relations between Kenya and Zimbabwe may become stronger.
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