Political Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s government is taking serious steps to recover 17 fire tenders seized by Lithuania in March 2023.
The equipment was manufactured in Belarus, which is under European Union sanctions, and Lithuania claims this is the reason for the confiscation.
Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza says Zimbabwe will explore all legal options, including international arbitration, to get the fire tenders back.
“We will explore the most viable legal route to take after exhausting all the diplomatic channels at our disposal,” she stated.
The fire tenders are specifically designed for Zimbabwe’s rural terrain and are crucial for firefighting and emergency responses. Their confiscation puts vulnerable communities at risk of fire disasters.
Lithuania’s attorney-general, Nida Grunskiene, mentioned that the trucks might be handed over to Ukraine, which has sparked concern from Zimbabwe’s government .
This is not the first time Zimbabwe-bound cargo has been seized by an EU country. In 2023, 23,000 tonnes of Russian fertilizer donated to Zimbabwe were blockaded by the EU.
Zimbabwe and Lithuania are both members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which may help facilitate negotiations and resolve the dispute.
Key Points:
- Seizure of Fire Tenders: Lithuania seized 17 fire tenders meant for Zimbabwe in March 2023.
- Reason for Seizure: Lithuania claims the manufacturer, a Belarusian company, is under EU sanctions.
- Zimbabwe’s Response: Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza vows to explore all legal options to recover the fire tenders.
- Impact on Zimbabwe: Confiscation of fire tenders puts vulnerable communities at risk of fire disasters.
- International Implications: WTO membership may aid in resolving the dispute between Zimbabwe and Lithuania.
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