Gaborone, Botswana – Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has lauded Botswana’s peaceful transition of power as a beacon of hope for the region, implicitly criticising Zimbabwe’s political landscape. Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of Botswana’s new president, Duma Gideon Boko, on Friday, Chamisa used the occasion to highlight what he sees as a stark contrast between the two nations’ political trajectories.
Attending the inauguration ceremony, Chamisa sat just two rows away from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He used the proximity to deliver a pointed message, suggesting that Mnangagwa should take note of the peaceful transfer of power in Botswana. “We defeated Zanu PF twice, but they refused to go. We hope Mr Mnangagwa will learn one or two lessons about life after politics, life after leadership, life after public office,” Chamisa stated.
Chamisa’s comments directly challenge the legitimacy of Mnangagwa’s continued presidency. He alleges that his party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), secured victory in two previous elections, yet Mnangagwa remained in power. This assertion, while controversial, reflects a common sentiment among Zimbabwean opposition supporters who believe that the electoral process has been manipulated to favour Zanu-PF.
The former CCC leader, who left the party last year citing Zanu-PF infiltration, highlighted the significance of Botswana’s transition.
“Botswana is a signal, what Botswana has done is significant for the continent, for a new Africa and the region in terms of heralding a new era of newness, an era of transformation, an era of effective transition. You look at it, the BDP (Botswana Democratic Party) was in power for 58 years but this is a smooth transition from one political party to another,” he observed.
Chamisa’s analysis focuses on the peaceful transfer of power from the long-ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to the newly elected president. He sees this as a model for other African nations, particularly those grappling with entrenched political systems and contested elections. The contrast with Zimbabwe’s political situation, where power transitions have been far less smooth, is clearly implied.
Beyond the political commentary, Chamisa also shared his views on the treatment of former presidents. He advocates for respectful treatment of former leaders, urging against retribution for past actions.
This statement may be interpreted as a call for national reconciliation and a move away from the culture of political retribution that has characterised Zimbabwean politics for many years. It also suggests a broader vision for a more inclusive and tolerant political environment.
Chamisa expressed his pleasure at being invited to President Boko’s inauguration, underlining the international recognition of the event and its significance. He emphasised his role as a representative of the aspirations of the Zimbabwean people, suggesting that he continues to see himself as a key player in the country’s future political landscape.
Finally, Chamisa shared a personal takeaway from President Boko’s inauguration speech: “From Boko’s inauguration message Chamisa said he picked the lesson that ‘love is everywhere in the world, let’s embrace it.’”
