Ongoing Border Dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana over Kazungula Bridge

The long-standing border dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana centers on the location of border beacon BB842, exacerbated by the Kazungula Bridge project. Diplomatic meetings have failed to resolve the issue, with assertions from both sides regarding territorial encroachment. This ongoing tension continues to affect relations between the two nations, despite efforts for negotiation.

The border dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana remains heated four years after the opening of the Kazungula Bridge, a project costing US$259.3 million. Despite numerous high-level meetings aimed at resolution, the conflict persists, primarily concerning the location of border beacon BB842, which is pivotal to the disagreement.

The Kazungula Bridge, a 923-meter structure connecting Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, was funded by Zambia and Botswana with support from international partners, including the African Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. However, the project has become a focal point of territorial disputes between the two nations.

Botswana questions the placement of border beacon BB842, asserting it was inaccurately marked. This contention intensified during a border verification exercise when Botswana officials claimed a misplacement of the beacon, adding further complexity to the situation.

Efforts to resolve the matter through diplomatic meetings have so far failed. The latest meeting took place in December 2023 between Anxious Masuka, Zimbabwe’s Minister for Lands and Agriculture, and Kefentse Mzwinila, Botswana’s Minister for Lands and Water, at the Kazungula border post. Despite the presence of Zimbabwe’s Surveyor General, Edwin Guvaza, the talks concluded without agreement.

In a recent interview with The Independent, Guvaza confirmed ongoing discussions, although he indicated that certain negotiation details remain confidential. He noted that the matter is now directly under the attention of President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and his counterpart in Botswana.

Attempts by The Independent to reach senior officials in Botswana’s government for comments were unsuccessful prior to publication. The crux of the dispute lies in claims that the Kazungula Bridge encroaches upon Zimbabwean territory. Zimbabwean representatives assert that the bridge overlaps their designated land area, complicating matters further.

A source, speaking anonymously, stated, “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.” This claim was prompted by Botswana’s allegations of an incorrect beacon placement, which Zimbabwe disputes vehemently.

As diplomatic negotiations continue without resolution, the tension surrounding the Kazungula Bridge continues to impact bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Botswana, with both parties seeking to navigate their differences through ongoing talks.

The border dispute between Zimbabwe and Botswana remains unresolved, primarily due to disagreements over the location of border beacon BB842. Despite multiple diplomatic efforts and high-level meetings, tensions persist regarding the Kazungula Bridge, which both parties argue affects their territorial claims. Ongoing negotiations indicate a desire for resolution, yet mistrust complicates the path forward. As these countries strive to improve bilateral relations, the management of this territorial dispute will be crucial for regional stability.

Original Source: bulawayo24.com