By A Correspondent

Former Botswana President Ian Khama has called for sanctions against Zimbabwe if its ruling party, Zanu-PF, is found to have interfered in elections within neighboring countries.

Khama specifically proposed that Zimbabwe should face potential expulsion from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“If proven, there must be a severe warning of sanctions and even expulsion,” Khama told The Namibian in an interview on Wednesday.

He emphasized the importance of holding countries accountable for any actions that undermine the integrity of regional elections.

Khama pointed to several instances that raised concerns about Zimbabwe’s involvement in Botswana’s internal affairs.

“The frequent trips by our intelligence services to Zimbabwe leading up to the elections, the attempt by Mokgweetsi Masisi to allow Zimbabwe nationals to enter Botswana without passports, and the public statement by their president (Emmerson Mnangagwa) at a Zanu-PF rally pledging its support for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP),” Khama outlined.

These actions, he argued, point to a pattern of interference that warrants serious scrutiny and potential punitive measures.