For a long time, the mediator in the Zimbabwean impasse and former South African president Thabo Mbeki had amazingly managed to hoodwink leaders of Southern Africa, African Union and, indeed, the entire international community that things will eventually change for the better in Zimbabwe. However, for those who read into Mbeki's now discredited 'quiet diplomacy' knew this was a non-starter. Actually, that policy has been disastrous for the Zimbabwean masses.
We agree with the opposition MDC that Mbeki should be relieved of this mediation role.Painfully, though, Mbeki has managed to successfully keep the Zimbabwean crisis off the discussion tables of SADC, AU, UN and any other forums that matter. And Mugabe, who in reality lost the March 29 election to his rival Morgan Tsvangirai, has continued to be stubborn and arrogant. The autocrat could have at least shown some sympathy for Mbeki by going into a face-saving inclusive government with the victorious MDC. It was in this paralysis that Botswana foreign policy on Mugabe came as God-sent with the ascendancy of President Khama in April this year. The least that Botswana could do was rightly show some solidarity with the long-suffering people of Zimbabwe. And the majority of Batswana are highly appreciative of Botswana's stance on Zimbabwe.We could not agree more with Khama's administration than since all efforts have failed to end the Zimbabwean deadlock on a power-sharing agreement, the only option is to hold fresh elections.
