U.S. Considering Further Sanctions Against Zimbabwe
In a special briefing, U.S Ambassador to Zimbabwe James D. McGee indicated that the U.S. is considering further sanctions against Zimbabwe if the current political impasse continues. McGee said that "unless something does happen in the very, very near future, we have no choice but to become more difficult, tougher on our sanctions."
James D. McGee, U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe
Shotlist:
"I think what's even more important today, though, is the humanitarian crisis that is following up from this political impasse. We're seeing the humanitarian situation here in Zimbabwe really go down the tubes. Food situation, food and security situation, is extremely dire. Estimates from the United Nations community is 1.5 million Zimbabweans are at risk of food insecurity right now, and by the end of this crop season that number could jump up to over 5 million people.
The health system has totally collapsed. The three major hospitals here in Harare have closed. They've closed their doors for patients. We have anecdotal stories of clinics in the countryside being unable to operate. People are routinely turned away from clinics. And in some places, police have been stationed outside of clinics to ensure that no one can enter the premises. Doctors and nurses are not being paid. So that's the reality of the situation on the ground here in Zimbabwe on this health system.
The water situation, sanitation situation, has gone through the ceiling. I just received a confirmed report about 15 minutes ago there are now 294 confirmed deaths from cholera here in Zimbabwe. There are over 1,200 confirmed cases of cholera, and another 2,500 unconfirmed cases of cholera."
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