Gaborone, Botswana – The resounding boos directed at Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa and former Botswana leader Mokgweetsi Masisi during the inauguration of newly elected president Gideon Boko last week marked a decisive shift against tyranny and dictatorship in the region.
The democratic forces of Botswana, thinly disguised as mere attendees at Boko’s inauguration, delivered an unacceptable powerful message which humiliated both Mnangagwa and Masisi.
To make matters worse, former Botswana President Ian Khama’s recent, pointed remarks about Mnangagwa’s attempted meddling in Botswana’s election only added fuel to the fire, amplifying the sting of the crowd’s open hostility.
As a True Patriot, I am appalled at the audacity of the peaceful and democratic transition embraced by the people of Botswana.
This system, where the people decide the fate of their leaders, threatens the entrenched revolutionary parties that have tirelessly served their own interests for decades.
Such progressive and democratic countries like Botswana, with their strong, unbiased institutions and hardworking citizens, pose a direct challenge to the revolutionary parties across the region.
After all, our beloved party, Zanu PF does not respect the sovereignty of fellow countries in the region when our sister parties are threatened by these so-called progressive democratic opposition forces that believe the ballot is stronger than the bullet.
Our leaders fought and “died” for our countries, it is only right that they establish these liberation party dynasties to reward themselves perpetually for their sacrifices. This is precisely why we felt it necessary to meddle in the elections of Botswana and Mozambique to protect our interests.
It’sunfortunate that the Mozambican people failed to learn from their Zimbabwean counterparts, who have mastered the art of passivity.
Mozambican protesters’ defiance has forced us to convene an emergency SADC summit, chaired by none other than Ruka Chivende who, unsurprisingly, had already congratulated Frelimo’s presidential candidate, Daniel Francisco Chapo, well before the election results were even announced.
After all, when you already know the outcome of an election you helped rig, why wait for the formalities? To add insult to injury, the jubilant crowd in Botswana left our SADC chairperson, the anointed Munhumutapa himself, visibly disheartened.
He struggled to hide his disappointment over the defeat of his ally, Masisi, who has failed to uphold our shared interests. The public outcry against Mnangagwa signals a growing regional dissatisfaction with his administration, especially as Zimbabwe grapples with ongoing economic and political turmoil.
For many in the crowd, Boko’s inauguration symbolized a fresh start, a moment of hope and change. In contrast, Mnangagwa’s presence served as a reminder of Zimbabwe’s contested elections and lingering accusations of authoritarianism, issues that, of course, are best kept swept under the carpet.
Former Citizens Coalition for Change leader Nelson Chamisa, claims that he beat Mnangagwa twice and carries the hopes of the people of Zimbabwe added fuel to the fire.
Such statements are a slap in the face to the country.
Chamisa must bear in mind that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission does not serve the interests of the masses but our beloved Zanu PF.
In the last ZEC demonstrated its unwavering loyalty by ensuring that opposition strongholds remain underresourced in ballots. ZEC must continue its dedicated work in preserving the democratic illusion that keeps our beloved revolutionary party comfortably in power
