Botswana

Botswana’s Diamond Dilemma: The Social and Economic Fallout of a Resource-Dependent Economy As Botswana grapples with an unprecedented fiscal crisis, the shimmering allure of diamonds—the cornerstone of the nation’s wealth—has turned into a stark reminder of vulnerability. This dilemma illuminates a larger narrative: the challenges faced by resource-dependent economies in an ever-evolving global market. The Glitter Fade: A Market at a Crossroads Once celebrated as Africa's beacon of prosperity, Botswana now finds itself…

A Crisis in Botswana: Health Emergency Amidst Economic Struggles In a stark televised address, President Duma Boko announced a public health emergency in Botswana, highlighting a dire situation that has been compounded by economic straits, dwindling international aid, and overwhelming shortages of essential medicines. The announcement comes at a time when this Southern African nation, known for its stability and diamond wealth, finds itself grappling with unprecedented challenges that threaten the well-being of its…

The Political Earthquake of Botswana: Reflections on Change and Continuity In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves across Southern Africa, Botswana’s long-standing political landscape has been irrevocably altered. The recent election saw the fall of former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, marking a seminal moment in a nation long identified with stability and prudent governance. To understand the implications of this political upheaval, one must look beyond the ballot results and the immediate aftermath. The defeat was…

This past weekend marked a significant shift in Botswana's political landscape as Duma Boko took the oath of office as the country's new president. This transition follows what many analysts are calling an unexpected defeat for the long-standing ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Yusuf Bangura from The Premium Times raises an intriguing question: Why did the once-dominant BDP, often regarded as a political powerhouse, falter in this election? The outcome has left political strategists and citizens alike…

The recent inauguration of Botswana's new president marks a significant shift in the nation's political landscape, following an election that concluded almost six decades of governance by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). This transition of power, characterized by its swift nature, has inspired both hope and speculation among citizens and political analysts alike. “Change is always a double-edged sword, isn’t it?” remarked a local political commentator while reflecting on the recent developments. With the BDP's extended…

As the countdown to the election day in Botswana approaches its final stretch, political parties are intensifying their efforts to captivate voters with their manifestos. According to political commentator Kitso Morekisi, the presidential race is wide open. This sentiment resonates as international observers have landed to oversee the electoral proceedings leading up to the general election scheduled for October 30. Recently, VOA highlighted an issue that arose during the early voting process—ballot papers ran out due to…

The High Court of Botswana has officially ruled that four out of five presidential hopefuls possess the necessary backing to vie for the nation's highest office, as stipulated by law. Among these contenders is Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is eyeing a second term in the presidency. Joining Masisi in this political contest are Duma Boko, the head of the opposition coalition known as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC); Dumelang Saleshando, representing the Botswana Congress Party (BCP); and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana…

In an unexpected turn of events, former President Ian Khama has returned to Botswana after almost three years spent in voluntary exile. His comeback comes at a tumultuous time, as he confronts a staggering 14 charges, including unlawful firearm possession and allegations of money laundering. Khama, who now heads a splinter opposition party known as the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), staunchly refutes these accusations. He maintains that they are rooted in political vendettas rather than factual misconduct. Khama’s…

A 1098-carat diamond was discovered this week in Botswana, in the Jwaneng mine, located a few dozen kilometers from Gaborone, in the southeastern part of the country. It is the third largest known diamond in history. On Wednesday, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi was able to hold in his hands a transparent stone the size of…

Quick deployment of three,000 troops in northern Mozambique to combat terrorism is one among the avenues talked about in a leaked report that needs to be mentioned at a rare summit in SADC, the improvement neighborhood. Africa, scheduled for 28 and 29 April. Regional army response after jihadist assaults on the town of Palma in late March within the province of Cabo Delgado. Since then, the safety…