Former Botswana President Ian Khama’s statement describing […]

Former Botswana President Ian Khama’s statement describing Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema as “Africa’s newest dictator” has sparked a political row, with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) challenging the former leader to examine his own record before questioning Zambia’s democracy.

In a video circulating on social media, Khama questioned Botswana’s decision to attend President Hichilema’s inauguration, asking the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister whether he regrets the decision given Botswana’s commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The minister defended Botswana’s attendance, explaining that it was part of maintaining diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, suggesting that showing up at an inauguration does not necessarily amount to endorsing everything about the incoming leader.

 However, Khama’s remarks have not gone down well with the UPND, with Livingstone Member of Parliament Gracious Mayangwa describing the former Botswana President’s comments as misplaced and an attempt to discredit a democratically elected leader.

 Mayangwa said President Hichilema inherited significant economic challenges and is working to restore investor confidence, rebuild the economy and steer the country towards development.

The lawmaker argued that Khama should not confuse political criticism with moral authority, insisting that Zambia’s leadership is determined by Zambian voters and not by former presidents commenting from outside the country’s borders.

 “Before pointing fingers at Zambia, Mr Khama must first look in the mirror because his own record attracted serious questions about governance, economic management and respect for democratic institutions,” he said.

Mayangwa further questioned Khama’s ten-year presidency, which ran from 2008 to 2018, citing controversies surrounding the centralisation of state power, allegations of extrajudicial killings, tensions with the judiciary and the handling of the 2011 public sector strike.

He also warned that public criticism of Zambia’s leadership should not damage the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring countries, arguing that political disagreements should not be allowed to undermine diplomatic ties.

“Zambia and Botswana have shared a beautiful and respectful relationship since time immemorial, and a man without a family and nothing to lose will not destroy that relationship,” he said.

 Mayangwa maintained that President Hichilema’s legitimacy comes from the ballot box and urged Khama to respect Zambia’s sovereignty rather than turning his attention to the country’s political affairs.

Article by Philip Sinkala