Tinotenda Hove- President Emmerson Mnangagwa left Harare today for Lusaka to witness the swearing-in of Zambia’s President-elect Hakainde Hichilema, putting aside months of strained ties between Harare and Lusaka.

The Head of State and Government departed aboard a presidential aircraft and will join a host of regional leaders gathered for the inauguration ceremony set for the Zambian capital.

Officials said Mnangagwa’s presence is in line with SADC protocol, which encourages member states to attend key democratic milestones within the region, even amid diplomatic tensions.

Zimbabwe and Zambia have been at odds over a range of issues in recent months, with both sides trading barbs over governance, regional diplomacy and political alignment. Relations between Mnangagwa and Hichilema have been described by observers as cold, following Hichilema’s rise to power on a reform and anti-corruption platform that contrasts sharply with ZANU PF’s approach.

Despite the chill, State House said the President’s trip underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional solidarity and respect for democratic processes.

“President Mnangagwa will be in Lusaka to represent Zimbabwe at the inauguration of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema. This is consistent with our obligations as a SADC nation,” a government spokesperson said.

Hichilema defeated long-serving leader Edgar Lungu in Zambia’s August polls and has since positioned his administration as one focused on economic recovery, transparency and closer ties with Western partners — a stance that has unsettled some neighbors.

Political analysts say Mnangagwa’s decision to attend is both diplomatic and strategic. Skipping the event would have risked further isolation for Zimbabwe within the region, while attending offers a chance to reset the relationship, however tentatively.

The inauguration is expected to draw several African heads of state, along with envoys from the AU, UN and other international partners.

Mnangagwa is due back in Harare later this week after the ceremony.