KEY POINTS
- Exiled former minister Walter Mzembi warns Zimbabweans not to rely on foreign elections for change.
- He urges focus on internal strategies and national dialogue to address political challenges.
- Retired politician David Coltart calls for leadership changes to drive Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
As Zimbabweans celebrated the recent electoral victory of Botswana’s opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) candidate Duma Boko, a former Cabinet minister in exile has urged citizens not to pin their hopes on foreign political developments but to take personal responsibility for ousting Zanu PF.
Walter Mzembi, the former Foreign Affairs Minister under Robert Mugabe’s government, said while the excitement over Botswana’s political shift is understandable, Zimbabweans must focus on their internal political realities.
His comments come amid increased optimism in Zimbabwe that foreign opposition victories could inspire change at home.
Caution against false hope
Mzembi underlined that relying on overseas elections won’t alter Zimbabwe’s leadership because the country faces distinct political difficulties.
According to New Zimbabwe, he noted that although Botswana’s shift provides motivation, Zimbabwe’s political climate necessitates a distinct strategy.
He clarified that Mokgweetsi Masisi, the previous president of Botswana, lost in part because of his affiliation with Zanu PF, a decision that ultimately backfired. Mzembi said, “Some political friendships are very costly,” and that voters often penalize any foreign meddling.
The next election in Zimbabwe is not scheduled until 2028, and Mzembi cautioned that President Emmerson Mnangagwa may extend his term through constitutional amendments.
In addition, he said that there might be two referendums before to the next election and urged Zimbabweans to formulate a clear plan of action for these chances.
A different battle in Zimbabwe
The former minister pointed out that while Zimbabweans feel encouraged by the recent victory in Botswana, the situation back home remains complex.
He noted that Mnangagwa has already begun moves to extend his rule beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms. “What confronts us is a completely different challenge,” Mzembi said.
Mzembi expressed concerns that new democratic leaders like Boko will focus on their national agendas rather than intervening in Zimbabwe’s political struggles.
“History tells us that those we celebrate as ‘democrats’ quickly settle into their tasks and diplomatic decorum, leaving us to fight our battles alone,” he remarked.
Focus on national dialogue
To conclude, Mzembi was able to re-affirm that the solutions to Zimbabwe’s problems are home grown. He called for the country to be engaged in a debate so as to be able to deal appropriately with political affairs.
He queried the current vibrant political direction to encourage Zimbabweans to think hard whether they have common cause in tackling the nation’s pertinent issues.
Another former opposition politician; David Coltart also said similar views as Mzembi regarding the change of leadership.
Coltart attributed this failure of positive change to Zimbabwe’s politics that has remained stagnant in comparison to Botswana, establishing frequent interchange of leadership as a solution to pulling Zimbabwe out of the existing economic and political quagmire.
