President Robert Mugabe, who left Harare this afternoon, is now in Gaborone, Botswana for the SADC Double Troika that will discuss the political and security situation in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

He was met at the Sir Seretse Khama international Airport by the Botswana Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr Kenneth Matambo, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Botswana, Mr Thomas Mandigora and staff from the Zimbabwean Embassy in Botswana.

President Mugabe is accompanied by the Minister of Defence Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo, State Security Minister Kembo Mohadi  and Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.

Speaking in Harare before departure, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi said the summit is working on a deadline given to Lesotho by the SADC member states where the country will submit a progress report on how it is implementing recommendations made by a commission of inquiry.

With reference to the disturbances by Renamo in Mozambique, Mumbengegwi however said the issue is not on the SADC agenda.

With Mugabe out of the country, Vice President Mnangagwa is the Acting President.