Zimbabwe fires back at Ian Khama over Mnangagwa criticism

The Zimbabwean government has dismissed criticism from former Botswana president Ian Khama after he accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of being "power hungry" amid efforts by Zanu PF to amend the Constitution.

Khama made the remarks on Facebook, where he argued that Zimbabwe had seen little meaningful change since the era of former Rhodesian leader Ian Smith.

"The only thing that has changed … is the name of the country and the names of its leaders," Khama wrote. "Oppressors come in all colours."

Responding to the criticism, government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana dismissed Khama's comments and questioned his relevance in contemporary regional politics.

"Who really cares about the opinions of some washed-up has-been seeking relevancy as a remedy to self-inflicted loneliness?" Mangwana said.

Khama, who served as Botswana's president between 2008 and 2018, has frequently criticised Zimbabwe's political leadership and governance record, particularly on issues relating to democracy, human rights and constitutionalism.

In his latest comments, he accused Zimbabwe of joining a growing list of African countries where leaders seek to prolong their stay in power through constitutional changes.

"Here we go again. Another power hungry president has the constitution amended through rigging and cash inducements to extend his term of office," Khama said.

"Zimbabwe has now become the latest in a growing list of countries whose presidents want to cling to power and manipulate the constitution to achieve that."

He cited several long-serving African leaders, including Paul Biya, Yoweri Museveni and Paul Kagame, as examples of leaders who have remained in office for extended periods.

Khama also alleged that political repression remained common in some African states.

"Political assassinations, fabricated charges and detentions, kidnappings and disappearances as recently in Tanzania and Uganda are the modus operandi of these and other such tyrants," he said.

"Zimbabwe and its long-suffering people have been subjected to the same from the days of Gukurahundi to present day. Oppressors come in all colours."

The criticism comes after the National Assembly passed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill by 216 votes to 42, comfortably surpassing the 187 votes required for a two-thirds majority.

The Bill now proceeds to the Senate, where it faces further debate and voting before it can be transmitted to the President for assent.

Supporters of the legislation argue that the proposed constitutional changes will promote political stability, reduce the costs associated with frequent elections and allow for longer-term development planning.

However, critics contend that some of the amendments could weaken democratic accountability and concentrate more power in the executive.

The proposed changes have generated significant public debate, with opposition politicians, civil society organisations and some liberation war veterans voicing concerns about the implications for Zimbabwe's constitutional order.

The Senate is expected to begin deliberations on the Bill this week.