U.S. limits visas for officials from Uganda and Zimbabwe
OAN’s Abril Elfi
1:14 PM – Tuesday, December 5, 2023
The United States has expanded a Visa restriction policy on Ugandan and Zimbabwean officials.
In addition to announcing the visa restrictions, Secretary of State Antony Blinken also brought up the marginalization of civil society advocates in Zimbabwe and Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community.
No specific official was mentioned by name in Blinken’s remarks.
“Today, I am announcing the expansion of the visa restriction policy to include current or former Ugandan officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda or for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations,” Blinken said on Monday. “These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers.”
As a country that is considered to have some of the strictest anti-LGBTQ laws in the world, Uganda’s bill was passed in May and imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes HIV transmission through gay sex.
Following the law’s passage, the U.S. State Department placed restrictions on Ugandan officials’ ability to travel in June.
Additionally, the State Department had previously restricted Ugandan officials’ access to visas after the nation’s 2021 elections, which it deemed to be “flawed.”
According to Blinken’s claims, a new visa restriction policy had been undermining Zimbabwean democracy.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa won a second term in August and some have criticized the election results, calling it a “gigantic fraud” and claiming that it did not adhere to international and regional “norms.”
“Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe — including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections — may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy,” Blinken said.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
Supreme Court Justices Skeptical of Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Settlement
Growing Pressure on Biden’s Re-election Campaign from Muslim-American Community
Former Leprosy Settlement in Hawaii Now a Refuge for Former Patients
GOP Lawmakers Believe They Have Votes for Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden
Spanish Media Outlets File $600 Million Lawsuit Against Facebook Owner Meta Platforms
Verizon to Offer Streaming Subscriptions to Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery-owned Max Platforms
Global Mega-Cap Companies See Surge in Market Capitalizations
More Advertisers Likely to Leave Elon Musk’s X Social Media Platform
rnrn
How does the State Department’s decision to impose visa restrictions on Ugandan officials following the 2021 elections demonstrate its commitment to upholding democratic values
D.” The U.S. government had previously imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe due to concerns over human rights violations and electoral fraud.
The expansion of the visa restriction policy by the United States reflects its continued commitment to promoting democracy and protecting the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s announcement underscores the importance of holding accountable those individuals who undermine democratic processes and perpetrate human rights abuses.
The inclusion of Uganda in this policy is particularly significant due to its harsh anti-LGBTQ laws. The passing of the bill in May, which imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” is indicative of the systematic bigotry and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the country. By restricting the travel of Ugandan officials, the U.S. government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate policies and actions that oppress and repress individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Furthermore, the State Department’s decision to impose restrictions on Ugandan officials’ access to visas following the flawed 2021 elections demonstrates its commitment to upholding democratic values. By imposing consequences for actions that undermine the electoral process, the United States aims to encourage transparent and fair elections in Uganda.
In the case of Zimbabwe, the visa restriction policy aims to address concerns over the erosion of democracy. President Mnangagwa’s re-election in August was marred by allegations of fraud, leading to widespread criticism of the election results. By imposing restrictions on Zimbabwean officials, the United States seeks to hold accountable those responsible for undermining democratic principles and processes.
It is important to note that the visa restrictions target specific individuals who are believed to be complicit in actions against democracy and the rights of marginalized groups. The goal is not to isolate or punish entire countries, but rather to send a strong signal that violations of democratic values and human rights will not be tolerated.
The United States’ expansion of the visa restriction policy serves as a reminder of its commitment to promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and supporting the rights of marginalized communities. By holding accountable those who undermine democracy and oppress marginalized groups, the U.S. government seeks to create a more inclusive and just world for all.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
