DIPLOMATIC ROW: Zambia sends special envoy to meet Mnangagwa

By NewZiana

HARARE: In a significant diplomatic move, former Zambian Vice President Enock Kavindele paid a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House on Thursday.

Relations between the two countries have been tense since Zimbabwe’s 2023 general elections when Harare blamed its northern neighbour for the regional SADC grouping declaring that the vote violated democratic principles.

Tensions escalated in August this year after President Emmerson Mnangagwa claimed during a visit to Russia that the United States was using Zambia to isolate the Harare regime in the region.

Meanwhile, Kavindele’s delegation to Harare Thursday included Zambian Foreign Minister Mlambo Haimbe, Kavindele and they held an extensive closed-door meetings with President Mnangagwa.

H.E. President @edmnangagwa receives a special message delivered by a Zambian Special Envoy, former Vice President, Hon Enock Kavindele. Speaking to journalists after a closed door meeting with the President, Hon Enock Kavindile said he and his delegation had come to consult… pic.twitter.com/sdsEoT8C4Y

— Presidential Communications Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 (@DeptCommsZW) December 19, 2024

They discussed various regional issues, with particular emphasis on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which President Mnangagwa is currently the chair. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Kavindele expressed optimism about the consultations.

“The discussions went exceptionally well. As you know, President Mnangagwa holds a pivotal role as SADC chairperson. Given that Zambia previously held this position, it’s crucial for us to maintain ongoing dialogue with the current chair on various matters affecting our region,” he said.

Reflecting on past collaborations, Kavindele recalled his previous visit, where he sought President Mnangagwa’s support for a Zambian candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank.

“Thanks to President Mnangagwa’s support, our candidate was endorsed by SADC right here in Harare,” he noted. He added that the meeting underscores the importance of collaboration and communication among SADC member states.

The meeting marks a continued commitment to regional cooperation and highlights the strategic partnership between Zambia and Zimbabwe within the SADC framework.