HARARE – Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa took advantage of World Children’s Day commemorations in Victoria Falls on Saturday to meet with Botswana’s newly elected President Duma Boko. The engagement comes as Mnangagwa seeks to recalibrate relations following the unexpected electoral defeat of his ally, former President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Botswana’s political landscape saw a seismic shift when Boko’s Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) unseated the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which had held power for nearly six decades. This outcome rattled Mnangagwa, who delayed congratulating Boko, reflecting the strain the transition placed on bilateral ties.
An official privy to the meeting described it as an attempt to rebuild trust:
“President Mnangagwa recognised the need to engage President Boko early to ensure strong cooperation between the two nations. The meeting focused on strengthening ties and avoiding diplomatic errors similar to those experienced with Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema.”
The discussion reportedly covered key areas of mutual interest, including trade, border management, security collaboration, and economic partnerships.
Opposition’s Rise Shakes the Region
Boko’s victory has further disrupted the traditional dominance of liberation-era political movements in Southern Africa. Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF, South Africa’s ANC, and Mozambique’s FRELIMO are increasingly facing challenges from well-organised opposition parties.
For Mnangagwa, Masisi’s loss underscores a growing threat to liberation movements’ grip on power. This concern was amplified at Boko’s inauguration, where Mnangagwa and Masisi were met with jeers, while opposition figures like Nelson Chamisa of Zimbabwe and other dignitaries received warm applause.
Lessons from Past Diplomatic Missteps
Mnangagwa’s earlier strained relations with Zambian President Hichilema offered a cautionary lesson. In 2021, Mnangagwa’s reluctance to embrace Zambia’s new leadership created diplomatic hurdles that took significant effort to overcome. With Boko, Mnangagwa moved swiftly to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Focus on Shared Goals
Despite political differences—Mnangagwa representing Zimbabwe’s ruling liberation-era establishment and Boko leading a reformist opposition wave—the two leaders sought to prioritise practical collaboration. Their talks reportedly focused on easing border trade, fostering economic growth, and addressing security concerns.
An insider highlighted the meeting’s importance:
“This was a necessary conversation to ensure that regional stability and economic cooperation are not disrupted by political differences. Both leaders showed a willingness to put national interests ahead of ideological divides.”
A Test of Pragmatism
The meeting marks a pivotal moment in Southern Africa’s evolving political landscape. While Mnangagwa remains firmly entrenched in liberation-era politics, the rise of leaders like Boko signals a shift toward opposition-driven governance across the region. Balancing ideological differences with shared interests will be crucial as both nations navigate the complexities of bilateral relations.
The dialogue underscores Mnangagwa’s recognition of changing political dynamics in the region, as he seeks to secure Zimbabwe’s strategic partnerships amid growing challenges at home and abroad.