Mnangagwa Attends Botswana’s New Presidential Inauguration Before Swift Return to Zimbabwe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa returned to Zimbabwe shortly after attending the inauguration of Botswana’s new president, Duma Gideon Boko, in Gaborone. The ceremony marked a pivotal moment in Botswana’s political landscape.

The event attracted prominent regional leaders, including Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema and South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Mnangagwa’s brief attendance highlighted his role as Zimbabwe’s head of state and SADC chairman.

In an unusual gesture, the inauguration welcomed opposition leaders from several countries. Zimbabwe’s Nelson Chamisa and South Africa’s Julius Malema were among those invited, adding a unique dimension to the ceremony.

Mnangagwa traveled from Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport aboard an Air Zimbabwe plane, touching down in Botswana just in time for the ceremony. He returned to Zimbabwe the same afternoon.

Though there is no formal alliance between Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU PF and Botswana’s new ruling party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Mnangagwa’s presence underscored diplomatic respect for Botswana’s new leadership.

The UDC’s victory in Botswana’s October elections broke the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) nearly six-decade reign, marking a significant political shift. ZANU PF had openly supported the BDP, which ultimately placed fourth.

Heads of state frequently attend regional inaugurations, but the presence of opposition figures at Boko’s ceremony was notable. Such inclusivity is rare within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

The invitation extended to opposition leaders like Chamisa suggests a budding regional camaraderie among opposition parties. Chamisa’s attendance reflects a growing diplomatic trend in southern Africa, linking opposition leaders across borders.

Chamisa previously attended the inauguration of Zambia’s President Hichilema, a leader seen as sympathetic to Zimbabwe’s opposition. His presence in Botswana further emphasizes emerging ties with reformist leaders in the region.

The inclusion of diverse political figures at Boko’s inauguration may indicate a shift in SADC’s traditionally pro-incumbent stance, opening a new chapter in regional diplomacy.

The Zim Bulletin