21 Oct 2015

Most of the resolutions from the 23^rd session of the Botswana-Namibia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security have been implemented without major challenges.

Speaking at the start of the 24^th session at Phakalane Golf Estate on Tuesday (October 20), the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security, Ms Segakweng Tsiane said all challenges along the way have been dealt with.

She said the challenges have been dealt with because of mutual collaboration that exists across the sectors.

Ms Tsiane said the annual meetings of the JPC provides the two countries with an opportunity to review progress made across sectors in terms of deliverables and timeliness.  

She added that achieving the objectives of the commission  and realisation of the milestones set were key for strengthening their commitment to cooperation in defence and security, including the facilitation of the movement of people. 

Meanwhile, Ms Tsiane said both countries were committed to implementing the one stop border post in Mamuno and the extension of hours of operation to 24 hours.

She said considerable progress has been made in terms of the legal framework and the expansion of facilities and staff houses on both sides.

Ms Tsiane said from the  Botswana side, 16 staff houses have been completed and that Parliament passed the One Stop Border Post Act in 2013. 

  On other issues, Ms Tsiane said the reaffirmation and rehabilitation of border lines between the two countries was completed and endorsed in 2014.

 However, she said more work still needs to be done at the triune point between Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.  

Speaking at the same event, Namibia’s permanent secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Mr Patrick Nandago said the two countries did not hold the annal meeting of the commission due to circumstances beyond their control.

However, he said that did not prevent the two governments from interacting and cooperating on issues of mutual interests.

He said issues of interest to the two countries span many sectors, adding that the composition of the two delegations attests to this.

Mr Nandago urged the sub-committees of the commission to use the opportunity provided to critically analyse issues affecting the security of the two countries, the region and beyond.

He noted that the meeting came at a time when many activities had taken place in both countries. He said the ruling parties in both countries retained power after general elections. Mr Nandago also  congratulated the people of Botswana for holding peaceful and credible elections.  Ends