KEY POINTS
- Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Botswana secured assurances from police for the safety of Zimbabweans amid threats of violence.
- The threats emerged following accusations of interference by Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party in Botswana’s election.
- Zimbabwean opposition figures warn that Zanu PF’s regional political interference could spark hostility toward Zimbabweans abroad.
After receiving threats of violence, the Zimbabwean embassy in Botswana has obtained a safety guarantee for Zimbabweans living there.
This promise follows allegations that Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party meddled in Botswana’s next election, which led to claims of planned violence against Zimbabweans.
Henry Mukonoweshuro, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Botswana, urged Zimbabweans living in Botswana to be alert during the volatile election season in a statement released on Friday.
The Botswana Police Services (BPS) advised the embassy that law-abiding residents, including Zimbabweans, should continue their regular activities fearlessly, Mukonoweshuro stated.
“The embassy has advised Zimbabwean nationals to remain cautious following social media reports that suggested Zimbabwean involvement in Botswana’s elections,” Mukonoweshuro said.
According to New Zimbabwe, he added that the embassy has engaged with local authorities to secure a peaceful environment for Zimbabweans.
Tensions over alleged election interference
The diplomatic concerns escalated after former Zimbabwean lawmaker Job Sikhala criticized Zanu PF’s involvement in foreign elections.
Sikhala, who serves as the National Democratic Working Group chairman, warned that Zanu PF’s alleged interference risks sparking regional hostilities toward Zimbabweans living abroad.
He highlighted similar accusations involving Zimbabwe’s ruling party in the electoral processes of Mozambique and South Africa.
Sikhala noted, “Zimbabweans face the risk of regional resentment due to a party that habitually interferes in other nations’ politics, while staunchly rejecting interference within Zimbabwe.”
Calls for regional stability and caution
Regional leaders, including former president Ian Khama, have charged Zanu PF with using operatives to sway the election in favor of Botswana’s ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) ahead of the country’s October 30 presidential election.
Citing accusations that Zimbabwean authorities publicly campaigned for current President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Khama claims that the influence of Zanu PF threatens the peace of the region.
Mukonoweshuro responded by urging Zimbabweans in Botswana to exercise caution but stressing that local law enforcement was in charge of ensuring their safety.
Sikhala, meanwhile, has called on Zanu PF to stop any actions that would incite animosity toward Zimbabweans throughout Southern Africa.
