The US government has announced new visa restrictions on Ugandan and Zimbabwean officials, accusing them of undermining democracy and repressing marginalized groups in their countries.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that the visa bans would target current or former officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, violating human rights, manipulating the electoral process, or restricting civil liberties.
In Uganda, the visa restrictions are an expansion of a previous policy that was imposed in June, after the country enacted a harsh anti-LGBTQ law that carries the death penalty for some offenses. The US also imposed visa restrictions on Ugandan officials following the 2021 elections, which it called “flawed”.
Blinken said the new policy would include officials or others who are involved in policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations, such as environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers.
In Zimbabwe, the visa restrictions are a new policy that applies to those who undermine the democratic process, especially in the lead-up to, during, and following the August 2023 elections. Blinken said such acts may include manipulating or rigging the electoral process, disenfranchising voters, or preventing individuals from exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
The US has been critical of Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who won a second term in a disputed vote in August, amid allegations of fraud and intimidation. The US also imposed sanctions on Zimbabwean officials and entities for human rights violations and corruption.
Blinken said the visa restrictions are part of the US commitment to promoting accountability for those who seek to erode democratic processes and institutions, and to supporting the aspirations of the people of Uganda and Zimbabwe for a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future.
He added that the US will continue to work with its partners and allies to support the advancement of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Africa and around the world.
The visa restrictions are not expected to affect the general population of Uganda and Zimbabwe, but only specific individuals and their immediate family members. The names of the affected individuals are not disclosed due to confidentiality reasons.
The visa restrictions are also not permanent and can be lifted if the individuals demonstrate a change in their behavior and actions.
The US has urged the governments of Uganda and Zimbabwe to respect the rights and freedoms of their citizens and to engage in dialogue with the opposition and civil society to address the grievances and challenges facing their countries.
Source: CNBC Africa
