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Former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has hailed the recent peaceful and seamless power transfer in Botswana as a sign that the winds of change are sweeping across the region.
Speaking to Botswana Television (BTV) on the sidelines of the inauguration of Botswana’s new president, Duma Gideon Boko on Friday, November 2, Chamisa reflected on the significance of the event.
Chamisa pointed out that, unlike in Zimbabwe, where he believes he defeated President Emmerson Mnangagwa in both the 2018 and 2023 elections, Botswana’s leadership transition demonstrated a commitment to democracy and peaceful change.
He claimed that despite his victories at the polls, Mnangagwa had refused to step down and vacate office.
Chamisa said he hoped that the Zimbabwean leader might learn a valuable lesson from Botswana’s example—that there is “life after conceding defeat in an election” and that peaceful transitions of power are essential for the stability and progress of any nation. Said Chamisa:
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We defeated ZANU PF twice, but they refused to go. We hope Mr Mnangagwa will learn one or two lessons about life after politics, life after leadership, and life after public office.
Botswana is a signal, what Botswana has done is significant for the continent, for a new Africa and the region in terms of heralding a new era of newness, an era of transformation, an era of effective transition.
You look at it, the BDP (Botswana Democratic Party) was in power for 58 years but this is a smooth transition from one political party to another.
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Chamisa also said that former presidents should be treated with respect after leaving office, urging that they be allowed to step down with dignity and not be pursued for past actions, whether by commission or omission.
Boko’s Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) triumphed over the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the October 30 elections, ending the BDP’s 58-year grip on power.
Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Mnangagwa reportedly faced boos from the crowd during the inauguration ceremony.
In contrast, the loudest applause was reserved for former Botswana President Ian Khama.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Nelson Chamisa praised Botswana for peacefully changing leaders. He said Zimbabwe should learn from Botswana's example of a smooth transition. Botswana's new president, Duma Gideon Boko, won the election, ending a 58-year rule by the Botswana Democratic Party. Chamisa hopes leaders like Mnangagwa will step down gracefully after losing elections. He said former presidents should be respected and not pursued for past actions. The crowd booed at Mnangagwa and Masisi but cheered for former President Ian Khama at the inauguration. Chamisa believes peaceful power transfers are important for stability and progress in a nation.

Chamisa Hails Botswana's Peaceful Power Transfer

President Emmerson Mnangagwa returned to Zimbabwe on Friday afternoon, shortly after attending the inauguration of Botswana’s new president, 54-year-old Duma Gideon Boko, in Gaborone.
The event saw the presence of several regional heads of state, including Mnangagwa, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
In a rare move, several opposition politicians from various countries were also invited, including South Africa’s Julius Malema and Mmusi Maimane, as well as Zimbabwe’s Nelson Chamisa and Job Sikhala.
Mnangagwa had flown to Botswana earlier that morning from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport aboard an Air Zimbabwe plane and was back in Zimbabwe by the afternoon.
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While there is no formal connection between Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU PF party, led by Mnangagwa, and Botswana’s new ruling party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Mnangagwa’s attendance was expected in his capacity as both Zimbabwe’s head of state and the current Chairman of SADC.
The UDC’s victory in the October 30 elections, which ended 58 years of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) rule, marks a historic shift.
Despite ZANU PF’s support for the BDP during the campaign, the latter came fourth in a four-party race.
While it is common for heads of state to attend such inaugurations, the inclusion of opposition leaders at the event is unusual for the SADC region.
The invitation extended to Chamisa and other opposition figures signals a developing relationship between regional opposition leaders and President Boko.
Chamisa’s invitation to the inauguration follows his attendance at the swearing-in of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, a leader seen as sympathetic to Zimbabwe’s opposition.
This trend suggests a growing diplomatic rapport between regional opposition political parties and emerging regional leaders who are not from former liberation movements.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa went to Botswana for the new president's inauguration. It was a big event with many important leaders there. Some opposition politicians were also invited. Mnangagwa flew to Botswana and came back to Zimbabwe on the same day. The new ruling party in Botswana won after the old ruling party lost after 58 years. This is a big change. It's not common for opposition leaders to be at these events, but it shows a better relationship between them and the new president. This is happening in other countries too, like Zambia.

Mnangagwa Returns Home Soon After Boko's Inauguration

An unidentified man, holding a stack of papers, almost successfully evaded security and managed to get within a metre of Botswana President Duma Boko during his inauguration in Gaborone on Friday, November 8.
Security officials swiftly intervened, grabbing the man just moments before he reached the president and escorting him away.
The incident caused a brief disturbance, unsettling horses lined up nearby, and security personnel struggled to calm them down.
Watch the video below:
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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-285614-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Motswana.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Motswana.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Motswana.mp4</a></video></div>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man tried to get too close to Botswana President Duma Boko during his inauguration. Security stopped him just before he reached the president. The incident startled horses nearby. Security had a hard time calming them down. The man was taken away by security. The whole thing was caught on video. It happened on November 8 in Gaborone. President Boko was not hurt.utto

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