US-Sanctioned Zimbabwean Billionaire Kudakwashe Tagwirei Sworn In as Senator Amidst Controversy
Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a Zimbabwean billionaire currently under U.S. sanctions, has been sworn in as a senator in Zimbabwe. His appointment was made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa under Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, which expanded the Senate to include ten members chosen for their professional skills and expertise. Both Tagwirei and President Mnangagwa are designated under the same American sanctions program, specifically Executive Order 13818, which implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The U.S. Treasury designated Tagwirei for allegedly materially assisting corruption and facilitating the transfer of its proceeds. In March of this year, he was also added to the American System for Award Management exclusions list, barring him from U.S. federal procurement. Tagwirei, who also serves as President Mnangagwa's advisor and is a member of the Zanu-PF Central Committee, has denied any wrongdoing. 
