By A Correspondent- The new chairperson for  Southern African Development Community (SADC), Tanzanian President, John Magufuli has called for the lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe by the international community.

In his inaugural speech as chairman, Magufuli said that Zimbabwe has opened a new chapter and it is ready to engage with the rest of the world.

The sanctions, he said, are also hurting people in the wider SADC region:

“We should unite to support Zimbabwe against sanctions imposed by western countries because they are hurting Zimbabweans and people from across member states”

Magufuli takes over the chairmanship from Namibian president Hage Geingob.

President Mnangagwa assumed the chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.