Africa-Press – Botswana. A debate is raging across southern Africa about whether or not to lift the international sanctions on Zimbabwe. All kinds of reasons are being adduced to highlight the fact that sanctions are hurting the ordinary Zimbabweans rather than the ruling elite they were intended for.
There is a point in that. Some leaders in SADC have especially been vocal in calling for the west to lift the sanctions. We need to move back a bit, pause and remind ourselves why the sanctions are in place in the first instance.
The sanctions were first introduced as a result of Zimbabwe government’s total disregard for human life and human rights. The sanctions came when Robert Mugabe was still alive. It is important to point out that Mugabe is now dead.
But the disregard of human rights in that country continues unabated. The current president of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa was part of Mugabe government. In fact he was in it from 1980, only being sacked for a short while when there weas a fierce internal fight over who was going to succeed Mugabe.
Otherwise Mnangagwa has always been a key part of that government, especially on security matters. Strategic rationale for lifting the sanctions today is not clear. There are genuine concerns about the recent elections. In fact the official opposition has vehemently argued that the elections
In turn Mnangagwa has threatened jail term for anyone protesting. That is reprehensible to say the least. Contents of the final report from SADC observer mission is yet to be known. The reaction of Botswana Government so far has been to get ahead of SADC position and effectively endorse Mnangagwa, unilaterally. Zimbabwe should be focused on fixing its internal governance.
Countries like Botswana have nothing to learn from the government of Zimbabwe. Yet Botswana government seems too eager to adopt Zimbabwe as its problem child. That is reckless to say the least.
It reflects badly on the leadership judgement. The least is that this might actually signal a material departure from the fundamental values of what Botswana as a country has always stood for. Zimbabwe and Botswana are neighbours. The two share a very long border. They share history and culture. People from the two countries are relatives, in some instances speaking one language.
It is important for Botswana and Zimbabwe to maintain friendly relations. But friendly relations with Zimbabwe do not mean getting beholden to what is by all accounts a military junta whose interests are not similar to those of ordinary citizens. Botswana government should not pursue friendship with Zimbabwe at the expense of the people of Zimbabwe.
Batswana living along the Botswana/Zimbabwe border live in fear of violent criminals crossing the border from the neighbour to the north. So when president Mokgweetsi Masisi speaks of Zimbabweans like they are saints, it should either be on account of ignorance or a blatant disregard of hard facts.
Either way, it shows that the president does not care. His attitude effectively destroys an international compact that the two nations have with each other, the basis of which is truthful friendship. President Masisi should adopt quiet diplomacy on Zimbabwe.
That will allow him enough room to address difficult issues in an honest manner. Not what we are seeing now where he is effectively parroting the position of the government of Zimbabwe at the cost to the truth, the Zimbabweans, Batswana and even other legitimate political players like the opposition in Zimbabwe.
There was a lot of euphoria when Mnangagwa came in following a military coup in Zimbabwe that deposed long time ruler, the late Robert Mugabe. A revival of a regional dialogue on Zimbabwe is essential. Zimbabwe needs to make serious reforms from within. Those reforms should be agreed by Zimbabwe and SADC. The reforms should be economic in nature. They should also be political. Zimbabwe human rights record has regressed since the days when the international community welcomed Mnangagwa as some kind of fresh start from Mugabe. That was not to be.
Until that happens sanctions should remain. SADC leaders, instead of calling for the West to lift sanctions should be calling on Mnangagwa to respect human rights.
Sunday Standard Commentary
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