Zimbabwe far from recovery
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday February 16, 2018 15:42
Sesa lists out a number of what is to take place before Zimbabwe can be seen to be reforming. Top of them is holding free and fair elections as Mnangagwa promised.
When addressing a State Banquet this week at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) Mnangagwa said: “I assure you all that my government is fully committed to maintaining the peace that is prevailing in Zimbabwe.
To this end, my government will put in place all possible measures that will ensure that our elections are credible, transparent, free, fair and democratic in conformity with Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union’s (AU) guidelines and standards on the conduct of elections”.
However, Sesa said what Mnangagwa said is not enough as he needs to unpack issues on how their general election in July will be different from previous ones.
“Mnangagwa was part of the former Zimbabwe president, Robert Mugabe leadership and therefore, he has to tell what they were doing wrong and intend to correct. Business people will be forced to wait for July elections to see if the environment will be conducive for one to invest in that country. The relationship between Botswana and Zimbabwe was strained by the leadership of Mugabe and what that leadership was doing to its people,” Sesa said.
Mnangagwa said beyond their bilateral relations, Zimbabwe stands ready to partner with Botswana in the quest to strengthen and expand cooperation within the context of the broader regional and continental vision aimed at promoting common development and prosperity for the benefit of their peoples.
He said his government’s thrust is focused on the resuscitation of their economy and re-engagement with the international community.
“We are determined to consolidate relations with our friends and neighbours who have stood with us through thick and thin over the years and recognise, however, the need to engage and re-engage to create new partnerships and friendships to advance our national interests and development. My administration is keenly aware of the important role of foreign direct investment and private investment in growing the economy,” he said.
“I am aware of the great strides that Botswana has made in the diamond mining sector. I am informed that Botswana has succeeded in developing a viable and suitable diamond industry. Our relationship with Botswana is going to get stronger,” he said.
On the other hand, President Ian Khama said Botswana and Zimbabwe share a special relationship that is not only premised on a shared common border, but also on existing strong historical, cultural and family ties.
“These close ties, which were forged during the liberation struggle in the Southern African region, have remained a solid foundation for deepening our collaboration, thus taking our relations to greater heights,” Khama said.