DID ZANU PF LOST A FRIEND OR ALLY: BOTSWANA ELECTION OUTCOME AND REGIONAL IMPLICATION
Historically, dating back from the period of struggle for independence, Botswana has never been either an ally or regional friend to Zimbabwe, both on party level and national level. Besides its proximity and sharing a border with Zimbabwe, Botswana contributed nothing during Zimbabwe's struggle for independence. It took an observer position, and even went an extra mile of being a hostile neighbour to appease its British handlers. Zimbabwe won independence through the barrel of a gun. Botswana gained its independence in 1966, but their independence came in an exceptional way. The country was handed over to Sir Seretse Khama who was the leader and founder of Botswana Democratic Party at that time. This automatically disqualifies the BDP from a Liberation Movement levels of ZANU PF, ANC, FRELIMO, SWAPO et al, and reduces it to a mere political organisation.This handing-over process was made possible because Botswana was established as a British Protectorate meaning the country was no...