The US has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa for corruption and human rights abuses.
The order also affects other senior leaders in the country – blocking their assets in the US and barring them from unofficial travel there.
The new sanctions replace a broader programme that was introduced two decades ago.
In a statement White House says “We continue to witness gross abuses of political, economic, and human rights,” .
“The targeting of civil society and severe restrictions on political activity have stifled fundamental freedoms, while key actors, including government leaders, have siphoned off public resources for personal gains,” it added.
“These illicit activities support and contribute to a global criminal network of bribery, smuggling, and money laundering that impoverish communities in Zimbabwe, southern Africa, and other parts of the world.”
As well as Mr Mnangagwa, the US also sanctioned 10 other people and three businesses.
Those on the list include First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri.
Various other senior security officials, including members of Zimbabwe’s national police and Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), are also targeted – as are businesspeople found to have facilitated state corruption.
They include presidential advisor Kudakwashe Tagwirei, his wife and two of their businesses.
President Mnangagwa, who was sworn in for a second term as the country’s last year, has in the past blamed the economic tariffs for crippling development in the country
