Tanzania Backs Cuba, Zimbabwe at UN, Calls for End to Sanctions

Tanzania has called on the international community to immediately lift unilateral sanctions against Cuba and Zimbabwe, stating that such coercive economic measures hinder national development and human rights. Addressing the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly on behalf of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi expressed Tanzania's firm opposition to economic coercion. He reaffirmed the country's unwavering solidarity with nations facing international restrictions.

Ndejembi voiced Tanzania's concerns about the restrictive measures, stating that they create severe hardships and stifle economic progress. He demanded the immediate removal of these sanctions, emphasizing their unjustifiable nature. The Vice-President's statement reflects Tanzania's commitment to opposing the use of coercive measures against any Member State. This stance aligns with the country's historical position on the matter.

The Vice-President also addressed global economic challenges, pressing for urgent reforms to the international financial architecture. He warned that high borrowing costs and mounting debt burdens continue to choke development in the Global South. According to Ndejembi, developing countries face significant obstacles in accessing affordable long-term financing, which hampers their ability to accelerate development.

Ndejembi highlighted the specific challenges faced by Tanzania, citing the country's Development Vision 2050. This vision aims to build an inclusive and competitive economy through investment in people, productive infrastructure, technology, and innovation. However, the Vice-President noted that such ambitions cannot be fully realized without adequate support from the international financial architecture.

Climate action was another key topic addressed by Ndejembi. He stated that developing countries continue to face obstacles in responding to climate-related challenges, including inadequate financing for adaptation programmes. The Vice-President called for existing climate-finance pledges to be fulfilled through increased long-term concessional financing and deployment of new technologies.

Tanzania is taking proactive steps to address climate change, implementing a just energy transition through its renewable energy strategy. This strategy includes the 2,115MW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, 650MW of solar and wind projects, and 130MW of geothermal power projects. The country is also implementing the National Clean Cooking Strategy, which targets 80 per cent of households adopting clean cooking by 2034.

In conclusion, Ndejembi emphasized the importance of stronger international partnerships and adequate financing to support development. He urged the international community to provide climate financing as grants and concessional financing to step up efforts on climate action. Key points include:

Key points

• Tanzania demands the immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions against Cuba and Zimbabwe.
• The country presses for urgent reforms to the international financial architecture to address high borrowing costs and mounting debt burdens.
• Tanzania calls for increased long-term concessional financing and deployment of new technologies to support climate action.