HARARE, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to address party supporters set to gather in Harare for an anti-sanctions solidarity march on Thursday.

The Herald newspaper reported that the march is in support of Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states who are calling for the removal of sanctions imposed on the country by the United States and the European Union in the early 2000s.

The government contends that the sanctions have had a negative impact on the economy and brought suffering to the population.

ZANU-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu said Sunday the solidarity march was being organized by the ruling ZANU-PF.

He said all progressive Zimbabweans should overcome their political affiliations and take part in the solidarity march.

"We want to make it a national event. The solidarity march will include the government, civil society, students, the business community (and) all political parties, among others, to participate in the solidarity march.

"The event is open to everyone," said Mpofu.

The solidarity march comes after SADC countries declared October 25 as a solidarity day against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and resolved to conduct various activities in their respective countries on the day to resoundingly call for the immediate removal of the sanctions.