Doubt, Distrust and Diplomatic Drama Overshadow Bi-National Commission

Tinotenda Hove – President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema met in Harare on Friday for what was billed as a historic Inaugural Session of the Zimbabwe–Zambia Bi-National Commission. But behind the handshakes, speeches and carefully-staged photo-ops, the meeting raised more questions than answers, with critics describing it as “forced diplomacy” rather than genuine progress.

Despite government attempts to frame the gathering as a breakthrough, analysts say the two leaders have long had strained relations, and Friday’s engagements did little to change that perception.

A senior Harare-based political observer noted that the atmosphere “felt cold and transactional,” adding that “both presidents looked like they were there out of obligation, not out of mutual trust.”

During the visit, Mnangagwa praised the historical ties between the two countries, saying Zambia had “sacrificed immensely” during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. However, commentators argue that repeatedly leaning on history cannot mask the present diplomatic tensions.

The two leaders oversaw the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding, including agreements on diplomatic training, labour cooperation, immigration, youth affairs, and agriculture. But even these announcements were met with public scepticism.

“What good are MoUs when we can’t even resolve basic bilateral disputes?” asked a civil society leader in Harare. “There is a long list of unfulfilled promises between the two countries, so people no longer take these ceremonies seriously.”

Another critic added bluntly: “This was just political theatre. Nothing new, nothing concrete.”

Government officials insisted the event symbolised a turning point, claiming the countries were now “keen to grow trade and increase joint infrastructure development.” But many saw this as empty rhetoric.

“The two presidents keep talking about ‘deep fraternal ties,’ yet their actions over the years show otherwise,” said a regional analyst. “This meeting was more about optics than substance.”

The underlying distrust between Harare and Lusaka—fuelled by political differences, regional alliances, and previous diplomatic spats—remains unresolved, despite the smiles displayed for cameras.

As one political commentator summed it up: “If this meeting was supposed to prove that Mnangagwa and Hichilema have finally found each other, then it failed. The tension was visible. The diplomacy was forced. And the outcomes were symbolic at best.”