President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who also serves as the SADC Chairperson, on Friday extended his congratulations to Duma Boko, the newly elected president of Botswana.
Boko, the leader of the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change, was officially declared Botswana’s sixth president by Chief Justice Terence Rannowane during a broadcast on state television.
In his congratulatory message, Mnangagwa said that Boko’s victory in the October 30 election reflects the strong confidence that the people of Botswana have in his leadership abilities. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>
On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you my most sincere congratulations on your election as the next President-Elect of the Republic of Botswana.
Your victory clearly attests to the confidence that the people of Botswana have in your leadership capabilities.
As you assume your new role, I am confident that the excellent relations between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead, for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
I also affirm my commitment to working very closely with you at regional, continental and multilateral fora, in pursuit of a just global political and economic order.
May I take this opportunity to wish you personal good health and success, as well as peace and prosperity for the people of Botswana.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa’s delay in congratulating Duma Boko has raised eyebrows, especially since outgoing Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat and congratulated Boko early on Saturday.
In contrast, during the recent Mozambique elections on October 9, Mnangagwa swiftly congratulated FRELIMO’s Daniel Chapo even before the final results were announced.
Political commentators suggest that Mnangagwa may have been hurt by the defeat of his close ally, as several high-ranking ZANU PF officials, including Patrick Chinamasa, actively campaigned for Masisi and his PDP party leading up to the elections.
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono claimed that Masisi and Mnangagwa were friends long before they assumed the presidency in their respective countries. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
Masisi used to visit Mnangagwa before either of them became president, it was under the radar, and the Zimbabwean media never wrote about it, maybe because they didn’t know, or because they didn’t see the need to.
To keep these visits discreet, Masisi would stay with John Bredenkamp, a white businessman and ZANU PF supporter who died in 2020, rather than with Mnangagwa directly.
So, the association between Masisi and Mnangagwa was not new, it predated their presidencies and it became apparent as the two men took turns to support each other publicly.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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President Mnangagwa congratulated Duma Boko, who won the election in Botswana. Boko is the new president of Botswana. Mnangagwa said the people of Botswana trust Boko to lead well. He wants to keep good relations with Botswana. Mnangagwa waited to congratulate Boko, while Boko's opponent, Masisi, congratulated him quickly. Some think Mnangagwa was upset because Masisi lost. They were friends before becoming presidents. They supported each other. Mnangagwa and Boko will work together in the future.

Mnangagwa Congratulates Botswana's President Elect, Duma Boko

Botswana’s ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), is facing a surprising loss after nearly 60 years in power in elections held on 30 October 2024.
According to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/1/botswanas-ruling-party-loses-power-after-six-decades-early-results-show">Al Jazeera</a>, opposition parties have secured a total of 31 out of 61 parliamentary seats, according to the electoral commission’s early tallies.
The BDP, led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, managed to win only one seat by early Friday morning.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change, led by Duma Boko, won 19 seats, while the Botswana Congress Party, headed by Dumelang Saleshando, captured seven seats.
The Botswana Patriotic Front, formed by former President Ian Khama’s supporters, secured five seats.
Boko, who is running for the third time, has urged his supporters to “maintain vigilance and discipline”.
The party with a majority in parliament has the authority to choose the president and form the government.
President Masisi, 63, was anticipated to maintain his majority and serve a second term.
Botswana is often regarded as one of Africa’s success stories, known for its wealth and stability as a democracy.
The country’s economy has been affected by a global decline in diamond demand, which constitutes over 80% of its exports.
Economic growth is forecasted to slow to 1% in 2024, down from 2.3% in 2023 and 5.5% in 2022, with unemployment rising to 27%.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

After 60 years, Botswana's ruling party, the BDP, lost in elections. Opposition parties won 31 out of 61 parliamentary seats. President Masisi's party only won one seat. Umbrella for Democratic Change won 19 seats, Botswana Congress Party won 7, and Botswana Patriotic Front won 5. The winning party in parliament selects the president and forms the government. Botswana's economy is struggling due to a decline in diamond demand, with slow growth and high unemployment. Botswana is known for its stability and democracy in Africa.

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