Category Archives: Botswana

Botswana’s Foreign Minister has apologised for saying that Kenya’s newly elected president would be banned from the southern African nation if he refuses to co-operate with the ICC. Phandu Skelemani made the apology after Kenya’s government accused him of being contemptuous towards Uhuru Kenyatta. He denies the charges and won the 4 March poll with an outright majority after winning 50.07 per cent of the vote compared to his rival Raila Odinga’s 43.31 per cent. Mr Skelemani said he was retracting comments he made to Botswana’s privately owned Mmegi newspaper following Mr Kenyatta’s election victory. “I apologise to the Kenyan people for my earlier statement and wish to maintain that Kenya and … Continue reading →

The Botswana High Court has overturned a customary law which prevented women from inheriting the family home. The judge ruled that the law contravened the constitution, which guarantees equality for men and women. Edith Mmusi and her sisters have fought a five-year legal battle after their nephew said he was the rightful owner of their house. Correspondents say traditions which stop women from inheriting property exist in many African societies. Judge Key Dingake said that in the name of fairness and equality women should have the right to inherit property. “It seems to me that the time has now arisen for the justices of this court to assume the role … Continue reading →

By Oliver Modise The General Secretary of the African National Congress (ANC) and chairman of the South African Communist Party (SACP), Gwede Mantashe, says Botswana is a reluctant player both regionally and in Africa. The ANC strongman said this shortly after addressing delegates at the just ended congress of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) that was held in Mahalapye over the weekend. “You can’t take away from Botswana that it has stability and it has always tried hard to send many of [its] young people to school,” he said, adding that when it comes to regional politics Botswana is reluctant to play a role. “Botswana is reluctant, this reluctance … Continue reading →

Corruption is a global phenomenon affecting all countries in the world, but its adverse effects are deeply felt in poor and developing nations. This was said by Botswana’s President Seretse Khama Ian Khama at the opening of the First Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa in Gaborone, Botswana last week. He noted that despite the positive strides made by countries towards attaining democracy and human rights, corruption still remains one of the greatest challenges in Africa. “Corruption has and continues to be the dark patch that has tainted nation states on the African continent and the developing world,” Mr Khama said, adding: “Fighting corruption is a … Continue reading →