Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states have called for the immediate removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe saying the country has suffered a lot since the sanctions were imposed in 2001.

Tanzanian High Commissioner and Malawi’s Dean of Diplomatic Missions, Benedicto Mashiba, led diplomats in making a joint statement on Monday at Tanzania Embassy in Lilongwe.

“The harmful effects of the illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe economy since 2001 have devastating effects on all Zimbabweans resulting in distressing effects on trade and investment for the country.

“We are aware that Zimbabwe has lost billions of United States dollars over the past 20 years due to these illegal economic sanctions,” he said.

The joint statement was co-signed by five diplomatic envoys, namely Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi and Zimbabwe says, the 16 member states organ will stand with Zimbabwe as the economic, political and social effects of the sanctions are felt throughout the region.

Incidentally, President of Malawi and Chairperson for SADC, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Monday released his statement, calling for the lifting of all sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe.