Ongoing Zimbabwe-Botswana Border Dispute Over Kazungula Bridge

The border dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana, ignited by the Kazungula Bridge’s construction, remains unresolved, particularly over the location of border beacon BB842. Diplomatic discussions, including a recent meeting between ministers of the two countries, have failed to achieve a resolution, and tensions continue to strain bilateral relations.

The border dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana, ignited by the construction of the Kazungula Bridge, persists four years following its official inauguration. Despite various high-level negotiations aimed at resolving the tensions, disagreements remain, particularly surrounding the location of border beacon BB842, which is pivotal to the contention.

The Kazungula Bridge, a 923-meter structure that connects Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, was financially supported by Zambia and Botswana, along with international aid from entities such as the African Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the European Union-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund. However, this infrastructure project has devolved into a territorial flashpoint between the neighboring countries.

Central to the ongoing dispute is the disputed positioning of border beacon BB842, which Botswana claims was incorrectly marked. This contention escalated during a routine border verification exercise, prompting Botswana officials to assert that the beacon’s location is inaccurate, thereby complicating an already sensitive scenario.

Diplomatic attempts to resolve the issue have so far been fruitless. The latest discussion occurred in December 2023 when Anxious Masuka, Zimbabwe’s Minister responsible for lands and agriculture, convened with Kefentse Mzwinila, Botswana’s then-Minister of Lands, at the Kazungula border post. Their meeting, which included Zimbabwe’s Surveyor General, Edwin Guvaza, concluded without a resolution.

In a recent interview with The Independent, Guvaza noted the continuity of the dispute but indicated that certain facets of the negotiations are confidential and not for public discussion. He mentioned that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is now directly involved in the discussions alongside his Botswana counterpart.

Efforts to communicate with senior officials from Botswana’s government yielded no responses prior to publication, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation. The contention primarily hinges on claims suggesting that the Kazungula Bridge encroaches on Zimbabwean territory. Reports indicate that Zimbabwean officials argue the bridge overlaps into their designated areas, maintaining a strong position against Botswana’s claims.

A source familiar with the negotiations noted, “There is a reaffirmation of border beacons, which is a routine periodic exercise, and Botswana decided that the last beacon by the river (Zambezi) BB842 is in the wrong position.” Zimbabwe asserts that the bridge extends into its territorial land, a claim Botswana disputes vehemently.

As diplomatic tensions continue, the Kazungula Bridge dispute remains a critical issue affecting the relationship between Zimbabwe and Botswana. Both nations persist in their diplomatic endeavors with the hope of reaching an agreement, yet the matter remains unresolved.

In summary, the ongoing border dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana, brought to the forefront by the Kazungula Bridge construction, continues to create tension four years after its opening. The controversy centers on the misplacement of border beacon BB842, with both nations firmly standing by their claims. Despite numerous diplomatic meetings, a resolution remains elusive as both parties engage in protracted negotiations to settle the matter.

Original Source: bulawayo24.com