07 Sep 2014

Defence, justice and security minister, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse has called on Botswana and Zambian governments to take on anti-poaching activities with the necessary zeal and seriousness of purpose that the matter deserves.

Speaking at the 19th session of the Botswana/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security in Gaborone  on September 4, Minister Seretse said the swift reaction to anti-poaching initiatives by the two countries that had led to the arrests of a significant number of poachers was highly commended.

He said poaching, if not fought aggressively it would have a serious negative impact on the economies of the two countries, citing that in 2006 through tourism, Botswana got P1.56 billion or 2.6 per cent to the country’s GDP, and in 2010 the country got P3.78 billion or 12 per cent contribution to the GDP

Such growth was significant and could easily translate into improvements to the two countries health and education sectors or any other area deemed important by the two governments, he added.

He said the impending ground breaking ceremony of the Kazungula Bridge by the two vice presidents of Botswana and Zambia on September 12, which would mark the commencement of the construction, was a clear testimony to continued good relations and signified greater things to come for both nations

Mr Seretse said that there was one emerging phenomenon that the defence and security sectors of the two sister countries have come closer together and have become a strategic body which is now in a better position to provide direction in the bilateral relations, which he described as an excellent move.

He said as emerging economies they are fully aware of the devastating effects caused by wars and tumultuous situations and need to look very far to see what was going on in sister African countries to the north.

The minister said they would be very negligent and careless to think that rogue elements at play such as terrorist organisations in those countries are not going to affect the SADC region.

Preparation is key, and a higher state of alertness and readiness, reinforced by even higher levels of cooperation and support for one another will be the salvation for the continent, he said.

For his part,  the Zambian Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Edgar Lungu said the session marks a milestone of continued cooperation on security matters as they seek more and better ways to safeguard peace and security for the two countries.

Mr Lungu said cited transnational threats, like illegal migration, poaching, human and drug trafficking as well as smuggling as some the challenges faced by the Commission.

He urged the officials from both delegations not to relent in their efforts to address these challenges as this was what their governments and people expect from this Commission. Ends