30 Nov 2015

Botswana has done a lot to ensure that intelligence services cooperate with their counterparts from other countries to monitor any terrorism related activities, President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has said.

In an interview on the sidelines of the just ended Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta, President Khama said even though terrorism had affected several countries in the continent, Botswana was not yet affected.

“We ensure that our military and police are able to react should there be any terrorism incidents,” he said.

However, President Khama indicated that time would come when those not affected might have to assist, adding that “because one day it is going to reach us so it is best that we stop it at its roots before it spreads.”

Earlier on, France president, Mr Francois Hollande had emphasised the need to build a coalition of countries to fight terrorism. Similarly, coalition movements had been set up in countries such as Syria and in some parts of Africa.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth leaders looked into issues of peace and security, particularly the fight against threats of radicalism, violent extremism and terrorism. They condemned terrorism and violence by extremist groups which often targeted vulnerable groups and individuals.

Such threats, they said, should not be associated with any particular religion, race, nationality or ethnicity.

As a result, they agreed that the threats must be countered through strong national, regional and international action and co-operation. They also renewed their commitment to implement national strategies to counter threats and support each other.

Also, they agreed that it was imperative to counter the use of the Internet by extremist groups to recruit fighters. Leaders welcomed the newly established Commonwealth Countering Violent Extremism Unit. Ends