By Wilis Moyo

In a move that has sparked speculation and concern, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is conspicuously absent from the Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, today. The summit, aimed at promoting regional conservation and cooperation, is being attended by Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Hichilema’s absence was particularly notable given the recent tensions between Zambia and Zimbabwe, which have been at odds over allegations of a US military base in Zambia. President Mnangagwa has accused Zambia of harboring the base, which he claims is aimed at isolating Zimbabwe.

Instead, Zambia is being represented by Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba, who attended the summit on Hichilema’s behalf. The move has raised questions about the state of relations between the two nations and whether Hichilema’s absence was a deliberate snub.

The Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area Summit, also known as the ZIMOZA TFCA Summit, aims to promote conservation and sustainable development in the region. Despite the tensions, the summit is expected to yield important agreements and commitments from the attending nations.

As the region watches with bated breath, the absence of President Hichilema has only added fuel to the fire of speculation and concern.