Zimbabwean president: Capitol riots show US has no right punish other nations ‘under the guise of upholding democracy’

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa said Thursday that the U.S. had no right to sanction other nations in the name of promoting democracy after Wednesday’s riot at the U.S. Capitol.

“Last year, President Trump extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwe’s democracy,” Mnangagwa tweeted. “Yesterday’s events showed that the U.S. has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end.”

Last year, President Trump extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwe’s democracy.

Yesterday’s events showed that the U.S. has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end.

— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) January 7, 2021

Pro-Trump mobs stormed the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, disrupting the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory and forcing evacuations. At least four people died during the chaos, one of whom was shot and killed by Capitol Police. Congress resumed and affirmed Biden’s victory hours later.

“I’d like to again congratulate President-elect @JoeBidenon on his confirmation as the 46th President of the United States,” Mnangagwa added. “Zimbabwe is, as it always has been, ready to work together as friends and partners with the U.S for the benefit of both our peoples.”

I’d like to again congratulate President-elect @JoeBiden on his confirmation as the 46th President of the United States.

Zimbabwe is, as it always has been, ready to work together as friends and partners with the U.S for the benefit of both our peoples.

— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) January 7, 2021