by Political reporter
Former Botswana president, Ian Khama is mounting pressure on his predecessor, President Mkgweetsi Masisi to intervene in Zimbabwe to ostensibly help the country resolve its crisis.
Khama has been making noise about a non-existent crisis in Zimbabwe. He recently called on SADC to intervene. However, the regional body categorically refused to be manipulated and argued that there was no crisis in Zimbabwe.
During the recent United Nations General Assembly, several SADC Heads of States called on the West to remove sanctions they imposed on Zimbabwe.
According to a contact, Khama wants Masisi to mount pressure on his Zimbabwean counterpart in his capacity as Chairman of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.
“The West attempted to use the African National Congress (ANC) to ratchet pressure on President Mnangagwa so that he sits on round table with the MDC Alliance leader (Nelson Chamisa), with the anticipation that a second Government of National Unity (GNU) will be established,” said the contact.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa refused to be dragged into Zimbabwe’s internal affairs. Instead, he told the world that there was no crisis in Zimbabwe but challenges which every other country was facing. He rather called on the West to remove the sanctions so that his northern neighbour can solve the challenges.
The contact claimed that Khama was working under instructions from the US to ensure that the Mnangagwa led Government is dethroned.
“Khama has been instructed to work with the Zimbabwean opposition to oust the regime. He is on pay roll, hence all this energy to denounce Mnangagwa,” said the contact.
Last month Khama formed the Southern African Post Independence Regional Alliance (SAPIRA) to challenge the continent’s revolutionary parties.
The founding members of SAPIRA comprise of former leader of South Africa`s opposition Democratic Alliance ( D.A), Mmusi Maimane, G40 kingpin Saviour Kasukuwere, Zambian United Party for National Development opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and Deputy National Chairman of the Zimbabwe opposition party, MDC Alliance Job Sikhala.
