The #CombatHateSpeech by the AU is not just a campaign, it is a social and digital movement.
I urge African Youth #CombatHateSpeech by being intentional about advocating for peace and creating safe digital & social spaces for all. #Youth4Peace#Y4P#Botswana
I’m saddened by the passing of former President of the Botswana, Dr. Festus Mogae.
President Mogae was a visionary leader who helped shape Botswana’s remarkable story of stability and progress. His courage and compassion in responding to the AIDS crisis continued throughout his life. His deep belief in economic transformation of Africa inspired action across the Continent.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and the people of Botswana.
BREAKING: PARLIAMENT PASSES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILL TO ESTABLISH CONSTITUTIONAL COURT
Parliament has today passed the Constitutional Amendment Bill, paving the way for the establishment of a Constitutional Court in Botswana.
#BWPresidency🇧🇼
Honoring a Victory for Human Rights
Today, I arrived in the Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve (CKGR) to honor the life of Gaoberekwe Pitseng, a man whose right to be buried in his ancestral land was unjustly denied by the previous government. For nearly three years, his body remained in a mortuary as his family fought tirelessly for the dignity of his final resting place.
As their former legal representative, I worked alongside his family to advocate for their wishes, but sadly, the court ruled against us, siding with the government at the time. Basarwa, like all of us, hold deeply rooted indigenous beliefs that deserve respect and recognition. It was profoundly unjust for Gaoberekwe Pitseng to be denied the right to choose his resting place, a privilege afforded to every other Motswana.
Upon assuming office, I directed that this government would no longer contest his burial in CKGR. Instead, we granted his family the opportunity to lay him to rest in his ancestral home, fulfilling what his spirit needed to rest in peace.
I wish it never had to come to this, but we are here now, finally making this right. Tomorrow, on World Human Rights Day, Gaoberekwe Pitseng will be buried in CKGR, resting in perfect peace with his ancestors. This is a powerful moment for human rights, dignity, and justice.
I joined our people in CKGR today to prepare for this significant occasion. It is well! 🙏
#GaoberekwePitsengRests
#HumanRights
#CentralKgalagadiGameReserve
…Contemporary norms in Botswana this require a strong and clear message that the Courts will ensure that such protection is afforded by the sentences on those who violate women’s rights.”
Excerpt from the Court of Appeal Judgement of Matlho v The State [2008] 1 BLR 84
“Women in this country have the right to the sanctity of their bodies and to be able to move and to about their activities in safety, free from the fear of attacks upon them. Those rights require the protection of the law…
Today we honour the people who had no choice but to leave home because of war, violence and persecution, and those who host and support them.
No better way to do so than celebrate #WorldRefugeeDay in Africa, where displacement is a big challenge but solidarity is a shared value.