The chairman of the Southern African Development Community, SADC, has dismissed allegations made by Zimbabwe's government that neighboring Botswana is helping Zimbabwe's opposition prepare a coup.
But, in comments in Pretoria Wednesday, SADC chairman and South African President Kgalema Motlanthe said that since the allegations were made officially, the organization is investigating them.
Both Zimbabwe's opposition and Botswana have denied the accusations.
Mr. Motlanthe also said he is hopeful Zimbabwe will be able to form a power-sharing government by the end of the week.
The opposition, which won legislative elections earlier this year, and President Robert Mugabe have been unable to form a government despite a September deal, worsening humanitarian and economic conditions.
Mr. Motlanthe said SADC was launching an urgent aid appeal to help with Zimbabwe's cholera crisis, which has killed nearly 1,000 people.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
