Botswana’s new president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has moved quickly to build relations with Zimbabwe.
Taking over from Ian Khama, who was constitutionally precluded from running again after two consecutive five-year terms, Masisi met with his Zimbabwean counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa within days of taking office on April 1.
This has been welcomed by analysts who say that it’s good news for the region considering the years of hostility between Khama and former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.
“They are talking co-operation and discussing regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern,” said Duncan Bonnett, a director at Africa House.
Masisi, the nation’s former vice president, automatically took over the top post when Khama completed his second five-year term. He has indicated his intention to stand for election in October next year as the leader of the Botswana Democratic Party when the country heads to the polls. According to Bonnett Masisi has also stepped up to the mark in terms of projects.
“He has come into office with a lot of energy and indications are that he will focus on some of the rail options available linking Botswana to its neighbouring countries.”
