The border dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana, centered around the Kazungula Bridge and the border beacon BB842, is unresolved despite prior negotiations. Recent diplomatic meetings failed to achieve an agreement. The disagreement is affecting regional relations, and while efforts continue, the situation remains tense.
The ongoing border dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana, arising from the Kazungula Bridge’s construction, remains unresolved four years after the bridge’s inauguration. Despite several high-level negotiations aimed at resolving the matter, significant tensions persist regarding the disputed border beacon, BB842.
The Kazungula Bridge, which stretches 923 meters and links Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, was primarily funded by Zambia and Botswana, with support from the African Development Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the European Union-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund. However, this crucial infrastructure project has become a focal point for territorial disagreements between Zimbabwe and Botswana.
At the heart of the conflict is the contested placement of border beacon BB842. Botswana claims that this beacon has been incorrectly positioned, a matter that escalated during a routine border verification exercise. Officials from Botswana maintain that the beacon’s location is erroneous, complicating an already delicate situation.
Efforts to resolve the dispute through diplomatic means have thus far been unsuccessful. The most recent meeting, which occurred in December 2023 at the Kazungula border post between Zimbabwe’s Minister Anxious Masuka and Botswana’s Minister Kefentse Mzwinila, concluded without an agreement, leaving the ongoing tension unresolved.
Edwin Guvaza, Zimbabwe’s Surveyor General, disclosed in an interview with The Independent that negotiations are still ongoing, albeit with certain details being kept confidential. He noted that the issue has escalated to direct discussions between the presidents of Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Attempts by reporters to contact senior officials in Botswana regarding the dispute went unanswered prior to publication. Allegations are circulating that the Kazungula Bridge encroaches upon Zimbabwe’s designated land area, with sources asserting that Zimbabwe has made a strong case regarding the perceived overlap.
According to an anonymous source, discussions earlier in 2023 indicated that there was confirmation of border beacon placements, with Botswana asserting BB842’s misalignment by the Zambezi River. Zimbabwe’s officials dispute this claim, maintaining that it is incorrectly positioned, which has further strained diplomatic relations.
As tensions persist between Zimbabwe and Botswana, the border dispute over the Kazungula Bridge continues to overshadow efforts for regional cooperation. Both nations remain engaged in ongoing diplomatic discussions, yet the matter remains unresolved as of now.
In summary, the border dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana, triggered by the Kazungula Bridge, persists due to disagreements over the location of border beacon BB842. Despite multiple diplomatic efforts, including high-level meetings, no resolution has been reached. The lack of communication from Botswana’s senior officials further complicates the situation. Moving forward, both countries continue to seek diplomatic solutions while tensions remain high.
Original Source: bulawayo24.com
