Political Correspondent
During a significant power change ceremony in Botswana, Nelson Chamisa, the leader of Zimbabwe’s opposition party, delivered a powerful message about democracy while seated just two rows away from Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This event marked a historic moment as Botswana’s ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), transitioned power after 58 years of governance.
Chamisa expressed his excitement about representing the aspirations of the Zimbabwean people, emphasizing their hopes for democracy and freedom. He highlighted the ongoing struggles in Zimbabwe, stating,
“We have seen ZANU-PF in Zimbabwe. We have defeated them in elections twice, but they’ve refused to go.”
He urged Mnangagwa to learn from Botswana’s peaceful transition, advocating for a culture of smooth power changes and unity among African nations.
He articulated a vision of democracy as a process of taking turns in leadership, stating,
“We are one people. We are one nation. We are one family. And democracy is about taking turns.”
This sentiment underscores the importance of non-vindictive politics and collaboration.
Chamisa praised the new President Boko, expressing optimism about his leadership. He remarked on the atmosphere of love and reconciliation in Botswana, noting Boko’s call to build bridges and acknowledge the past while moving forward. Chamisa’s relationship with Boko is rooted in shared experiences, as he mentioned their history of both setbacks and victories, reinforcing the need for new leadership in Africa.
In closing, Chamisa extended his best wishes for Botswana’s future, emphasizing the potential for peace and prosperity. His speech resonated with the audience, serving as a reminder that peaceful transitions of power are achievable in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
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